Growing Leeks In Containers

Embark on a rewarding gardening journey by growing Leeks in containers! This easy, space-saving method lets you enjoy this sophisticated vegetable right at home.

Leeks are a fantastic and underappreciated vegetable in North America but don’t let that stop you from growing leeks in containers.

What Are Leeks?

The culinary world is vast and filled with flavorful treasures, one such gem being the humble leek.

Now, imagine having a fresh supply right in your kitchen, sounds delightful, doesn’t it?

The idea of growing Leeks in containers brings this dream a step closer to reality.

Not only does it save space, but it also promises a hearty harvest.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a green thumb in training, cultivating leeks indoors in containers is a fun and fruitful endeavor that opens the door to countless savory creations.

Leeks are in the onion family. They are a cultivar of Allium ampeloprasum but unlike onions, leeks do not make bulbs.

Their leaves make thickened stems that are often blanched and that is the edible part of this delicately flavored vegetable.

In America, the most famous use of leeks is in vichyssoise, that creamy potato-and-leek soup made famous in the mid-1900s by New York City Ritz-Carlton chef Louis Diat.

Leeks, however, are very versatile, lending their sophisticated, delicious character to any dish calling for onions. https://www.hmongfarmers.com/leeks/

Growing Leeks In Containers Indoors

I will be growing Burpee Dawn Giant Leek from seed. I sowed seeds in coco coir and they started to sprout in a bit less than a week.

Burpee says these leeks get big about 2 inches across and 15 inches long and take about 98 days to mature.

Once they have grown for a week or two I will remove the seedlings from the tray and transplant them.

I plan on growing them in a 5-gallon bucket. I will start with about 6 inches of coco in the bottom of the bucket.

It is common to blanch the stems by hilling up the soil. I have seen people using the tubes from toilet paper rolls to blanch them.

It seems like it would be hard to get the plant through them and I don’t think they would last very long outdoors.

I plan to fill around them in the bucket with coco to blanch them. I will wait until they are getting close to pencil sized to start.

Then I will add another 6-8 inches of coco coir to the bucket. Some people say hilling gets soil in the folds of the leaves. 

I think that is why they use a tube placed over the plant. Coco coir should be much less of a problem for this. More info on coco coir:
Growing Vegetables In Coco Coir Indoors (indoorvegetablegrower.com)

Here they are about a week later. I want them to be pencil-sized to transplant them.

Do Leeks Need To Be Hilled Up?

Hilling up leeks will blanch them and produce long white shanks but is it necessary?

Opinions differ. Those who favor blanching leeks say it makes them more tender and milder in flavor.

But some say hilling leeks is totally unnecessary. I tend to agree but I will blanch mine this time around.

I will probably set my extra seedlings outside and those will not be blanched so I should be able to tell if it really makes a difference.

Since I am growing leeks for personal use appearance is not as important as if I were growing for the fresh market.

Blanching the stems by hilling up soil around them will make your leeks more tender and mild, but isn’t absolutely necessary. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/leeks

FAQs on Growing Leeks in Containers:

Growing leeks in containers is a rewarding venture, especially when you appreciate the delicate, onion-like flavor they bring to your culinary endeavors.

The process can be as straightforward as choosing the right container, procuring quality seeds or seedlings, and maintaining the right growing conditions.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a greenhorn looking to extend your green thumb, this guide is tailored to provide you with the necessary insights and answers to common questions about growing leeks in containers.

Q. Do leeks need full sun?

A. Leeks thrive in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. However, for optimal growth, it’s advisable to place them where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.

Q. How often should you water leeks?

A. Leeks prefer soil that’s consistently moist. It’s essential to establish a regular watering schedule, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

The frequency of watering will depend on the weather conditions, but a general guideline is to water them every few days or when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch​.

Q. Do leeks require a lot of fertilizer?

A. Leeks are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied every few weeks can support healthy growth. It’s advisable to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging to avoid over-fertilization.

Q. How long do leeks take to grow?

A. The growth period for leeks can range between 75 to 120 days from transplanting. However, the exact duration may vary based on the specific variety and growing conditions. It’s always a good idea to check the seed packet for the estimated maturity date.

Q. What temperature kills leeks?

A. Leeks are hardy vegetables that can tolerate temperatures as low as 45°F. However, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plants. It’s advisable to bring your containers indoors or provide some form of protection if frost or freezing temperatures are forecast.

Q. How deep should the soil be for growing leeks in containers?

A. Leeks have long root systems, so it’s advisable to have a soil depth of at least 12 inches to accommodate the roots and allow for healthy growth​.

Conclusion:

The journey of growing leeks in containers unveils the joy of harvesting home-grown, fresh leeks that can be a great addition to your meals.

With the right balance of sunlight, water, fertilizer, and patience, you can nurture leeks from seedlings to full-grown, harvest-ready plants right in the comfort of your indoor or outdoor space.

The FAQs provided herein are geared towards addressing common concerns and providing actionable insights to make your leek-growing endeavor a delightful experience. Happy gardening!