Lexton

Leek

90d to harvest

Sweet and quietly bold, Lexton leeks develop a tender, mellow flavor with a clean, green-sweet aroma and a lush, buttery bite. At maturity, the shanks are impressively full and upright, with crisp, fine-textured inner layers that hold their character beautifully for fresh use and elegant roasting. Grow Lexton for a garden-to-table staple that turns cool-season harvests into a steady, satisfying rhythm—ideal for soups, gratins, and savory sauces, as well as pickling for a bright, allium-forward accent.

Crop Dates

Growing note: In frost-free Zone 10b, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	—
Climate	Frost-Free Climate
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Oct 1st
Harvest Begins	Dec 30th
Harvest Ends	Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	6

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Allium porrum (leek), and how do I treat it at home?

Leeks commonly suffer from leek rust (orange-brown pustules) and onion thrips; both can reduce leaf growth and leave plants looking streaky or dull. Remove and discard infected leaves early, keep airflow high by not crowding plants, and avoid overhead watering so foliage dries quickly. For thrips, use reflective mulch and consider treating young plants with insecticidal soap, reapplying according to label directions as new growth emerges.

How often should I water Allium porrum during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level should I aim for?

During active growth, keep soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Water deeply so moisture reaches the planting depth, but don’t let the soil stay waterlogged, since leeks in saturated soil are more likely to develop rot. A simple test: the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) should feel slightly damp but not muddy before you water again.

How can I tell when Allium porrum is ready to harvest?

Harvest leeks when they reach full size around 90 days from sowing/transplanting, typically when the white shank is well-developed and firm. Look for a thick, straight stem base (the blanched portion) and healthy, green leaves; if the plant starts to feel hollow or flops easily, it’s usually past its best size. Cut at the soil line with a sharp knife and harvest before significant freezing temperatures.