Lancelot

Leek

Zone 9a Save Garden

🌱 110d to harvest Upright

Sweet, mellow, and quietly luxurious—Lancelot leeks develop a tender, creamy interior wrapped in deep green, upright form. At mat…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Dec 26th
Last Frost	Mar 6th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 20th
Harvest Begins	Jun 10th
Harvest Ends	Nov 26th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	110
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)	32
Harden Off (days)	7

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage rust on leeks (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum) in my garden?

Leek rust shows up as small yellow-orange pustules on the leaves, often spreading quickly in warm, humid weather. Remove and discard the most affected leaves, improve airflow by spacing plants, and avoid overhead watering so foliage stays dry. If problems start early, apply a labeled copper-based fungicide and reapply according to the label after rain or heavy dew.

How often should I water leeks during the main growing phase?

During the main growing phase (after seedlings establish), keep the soil evenly moist to a depth of about 6–8 in—typically 1–2 times per week depending on your soil and heat. Water deeply rather than lightly, and don’t let the beds dry out completely, because leeks then grow tough or stop enlarging. Mulch helps steady moisture and reduces day-to-day swings that worsen leaf tip dieback.

When are leeks (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum) ready to harvest?

Harvest when the shafts are thick enough and the tops are still green, typically around 110 days from sowing for full-size leeks. Most are ready once the base/inner white portion is well developed—often when plants are about pencil-to-thumb thickness depending on your spacing. For the best flavor, pull before hard frost but you can leave them in the ground a bit after light cold snaps if the soil isn’t waterlogged.

Sweet, mellow, and quietly luxurious—Lancelot leeks develop a tender, creamy interior wrapped in deep green, upright form. At maturity, the stalks are notably thick with a fine, silky texture that holds its character beautifully for steaming, roasting, and rich soups and sauces. Plant for long, elegant harvests: Lancelot’s balanced flavor shines whether you enjoy it fresh in salads or transform it into comforting, savory dishes.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 45°F and nights stay above 32°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For thick, white shanks, transplant at a young size and keep the shank covered by hilling/adding soil or mulch as it grows while spacing for airflow to reduce leaf disease.