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	Jan 21st
Last Frost	Apr 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 23rd
Harvest Ends	Nov 5th

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

Purple Sun Carrot

Red Bull F1 Onion

Flat Leaf Parsley Parsley

Ringmaster Onion

Flat Leaf Splendor Parsley

Black Nebula Carrot

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 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.