Musselburgh

Leek

120d to harvest

Sweetly mild and richly savory, Musselburgh leeks offer a tender, buttery bite with a pale, creamy core that feels smooth and substantial in the hand. As the season advances, the shafts build into sturdy, upright stalks with a clean, fine texture—ideal for slow-roasting depth, velvety sauces, and comforting soups where their gentle allium character shines. Grow Musselburgh for a classic market-class leek that rewards patience with an elegant, harvest-ready form at about 120 days.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Feb 27th
Last Frost	May 8th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 1st
Harvest Begins	Aug 29th
Harvest Ends	Sep 30th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	120
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

Recommended Companions

Carrot Carrot

Ringmaster Onion

Flat Leaf Splendor Parsley

Sierra Blanca Onion

Purple Dragon Carrot

Dark Green Italian Plain Leaf Parsley

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Musselburgh leeks during the main growing period?

During active leaf growth (most of the ~120 days), keep the planting bed consistently evenly moist—aim for soil that feels like a wrung-out sponge at 2–3 inches deep. Water about 1–2 times per week depending on weather, and increase frequency during hot, dry spells to prevent the thin, woody stems/leaves typical of drought stress. Mulch helps maintain moisture, but avoid waterlogging because leeks dislike soggy soil.

How can I tell when Musselburgh leeks are ready to harvest?

Harvest when plants reach mature thickness for your bed spacing—typically when stems are firm and substantial, often around 100–120 days from transplanting for many home schedules. Look for well-developed, blanched (or soil-covered) bases and sturdy green tops that don’t look collapsed or overly thin. You can harvest selectively as needed, pulling gently and keeping roots intact for easier storage.