🧅 Leeks
🍴 Overview
Crop: Leeks
Common Varieties in OK: ‘American Flag’, ‘King Richard’, ‘Lancelot’, ‘Tadorna’
Planting Season: Start indoors in late winter; transplant in early spring
Days to Maturity: 90–130 days
🎨 Trait Legend
🟩 Cool-season – Prefers cooler temps, dislikes heat
🌱 Bulb crop – Grown for thickened stem, not a true bulb
☀️ Full sun – Needs at least 6 hours of sun daily
🌱 Replant OK – Transplant early for best success
📏 Spacing & Soil
Row Spacing: 12–18 inches
Plant Spacing: 4–6 inches
Soil Needs: Loose, rich, well-drained soil; pH 6.2–6.8
Fertilizer: Needs nitrogen throughout growing season — side-dress monthly
🌱 Cultivars We Recommend
‘American Flag’ 🟩
Reliable heirloom with thick stems. Classic flavor.
‘King Richard’ 🟩
Fast-maturing and tall — great for early harvests.
‘Lancelot’ 🟩
Uniform stems, very cold-hardy. Good for fall and winter use.
‘Tadorna’ 🟩
Organic hybrid. Holds up well in Oklahoma’s shoulder seasons.
🧠 Tips
Start indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost
Transplant into trenches; slowly fill in soil as plants grow (blanches stems)
Keep weeded — shallow roots don’t like competition
Water consistently for tender, mild stems
Harvest once stems reach 1 inch in diameter