Leek in Zone 9a & 9b
Allium ampeloprasum
When to plant leek in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Leek needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Dec 7–Dec 14 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jan 25–Feb 1 |
| Estimated harvest | May 15–May 22 (~110 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-2 ft.
Leeks take their time, 110 days from seed to harvest, but they ask for very little in return once they're in the ground. If you've grown onions or garlic, leeks are the same family playing a longer, more patient game.
How leek fits zone 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Leek needs about 110 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
- Carrot: Same allium/carrot pest-masking effect measured for onion and carrot (Uvah & Coaker 1984) — a real, peer-reviewed field study, not folklore.
Where to buy leek seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing leek" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 9b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Leek in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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