King Richard

Family: Amaryllidaceae Vegetable

Sweet, mild, and deeply aromatic—King Richard leeks bring a tender, silken bite with a clean green perfume that lingers pleasantly.

At maturity, the long, well-filled stalks form a firm yet yielding texture, ideal for turning into comforting favorites where their gentle flavor shines. Grow this heirloom for reliable, market-ready size and a graceful presence in the garden from early summer through fall.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 28th
Harvest Begins	Jun 11th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

King Richard leeks give you a sweet, perfumed green flavor that stays mild even when cooked down, with a stalk that turns silken without collapsing. They’re a go-to when you want allium character—aromatic, not bitey—so the finishing butter, thyme, or Parmesan can wrap it cleanly.

Best Uses

butter-steamed leeks that melt into a glossy side dish
creamy leek soup (especially when you want the flavor to stay sweet, not sharp)
braises/roasts where the layers soften while keeping a neat bite
tart filling or gratin where leeks need to hold shape in the heat

Flavor Profile

sweet, mild allium flavor deep aromatic green perfume tender, silken bite with firm stalk structure

Kitchen Pairings

butter cream black pepper thyme parmesan chicken stock

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Allium porrum (leeks) like ‘King Richard,’ and what should I do?

Leeks (Allium porrum) are especially prone to leek rust (orange-brown pustules on leaves) and leaf blight, which often show up as brown lesions that spread in humid weather. Remove and destroy affected leaves early, increase airflow between plants, and avoid overhead watering—water at the base instead; if problems start, you can also use a labeled fungicide for rust/blights on edible alliums per the product directions.

How often should I water leeks during their main growing phase, and what soil moisture target should I maintain?

During the active growth phase, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for the top 2–3 in (5–8 cm) to stay damp without becoming waterlogged. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on rainfall and heat, and after heavy watering let the surface drain before the next watering so roots don’t sit in soggy soil.

How can I tell when ‘King Richard’ leeks are ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 75 days when the white portion (the blanched stem) is thick enough to feel firm and substantial, typically around 1–1.5 in (2.5–4 cm) diameter for many home plantings. Cut at the soil line when leaves are still green and before severe yellowing or lodging—leeks left too long can get tougher and less sweet.