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 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Aug 16th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

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

Sugarsnax 54 Carrot

Early White Grano Onion

Einfarbig Dunkelgrüner Parsley

Mokum Carrot

Red Wethersfield Onion

Titan Parsley

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum (Musselburgh leeks), and how do I control it?

Leeks are especially prone to leek rust (Puccinia allii), which shows as orange-brown pustules on the leaves, and it spreads quickly in warm, humid weather. Remove and destroy heavily infected leaves, improve airflow (avoid crowding), and water at the soil line rather than overhead to keep foliage drier. If it’s recurring, start the next crop with fresh bed areas and use resistant planting stock where available.

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.