Bandit

Leek

Zone 8b Save Garden

🌱 120d to harvest Upright

Sweet, mellow, and deeply savory—Bandit leeks develop a tender, creamy bite with a clean, garden-fresh aroma. At maturity (about …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jan 12th
Last Frost	Mar 23rd
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Mar 16th
Harvest Begins	Jul 14th
Harvest Ends	Nov 12th

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)	30
Harden Off (days)	6

Recommended Companions

Nantes Coreless Carrot

Thumbelina Carrot

Chantenay Red Core Carrot

Dragon Carrot

Napa Carrot

Amarillo Carrot Carrot

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Bandit plants developing leaf spots or damping-off, and how can I stop it?

Bandit (a 120-day crop started warm) is prone to fungal leaf spots and early damping-off when soil stays wet and foliage doesn’t dry quickly. Water at the base, avoid wetting leaves, and remove the worst affected leaves; if damping-off appears in seedlings, thin to healthy plants and let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings. If spots spread, use a labeled garden fungicide and improve airflow with proper spacing in full sun.

How often should I water Bandit during the main growing phase (after it’s established)?

During active growth, keep the top 1–2 in of soil consistently moist but not soggy—typically about 1 inch of water per week, adjusted for heat and container size. Water deeply in the morning and wait until the surface just begins to dry before watering again to prevent root problems and fungal disease.

How do I tell when my Bandit is ready to harvest after 120 days?

Harvest when the fruit/produce reaches the variety’s mature size and has firm, fully colored skin (no green cast) and gives slightly under gentle pressure. In a 120-day crop, start checking around day 115, then harvest over a few days as items reach full color and firmness to avoid over-maturity and cracking.

Sweet, mellow, and deeply savory—Bandit leeks develop a tender, creamy bite with a clean, garden-fresh aroma. At maturity (about 120 days), the shafts form sturdy, well-filled stalks with a smooth, fine texture that stays pleasantly crisp from base to pale green. Grow Bandit for elegant, reliable performance in beds and containers, and enjoy its versatility in fresh preparations, savory sautés, and comforting soups and stews.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 30°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 6 days first.

Expert Note

For best late harvests, start indoors with cool conditions and transplant into consistently moist, well-composted soil, then keep earthing-up to blanch the stems.