When to Plant Leek in Alice Springs, Arid / Semi-Arid Guide

Sow February to May, July and September. Right now in September you can sow.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Leek guide is written for the Arid / Semi-Arid zone, which takes in Alice Springs, Broken Hill and Port Augusta. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Canberra Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Leek

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Leeks are the gentle giant of the allium family. Milder than onions, easier than garlic, and more cold-hardy than both. They occupy the garden for a long time (5-6 months from seed) but require minimal attention once established. Excellent for cool-season gardens and highly adaptable across Australian zones. A staple of winter soups, gratins, and quiches.

Planting Calendar for Arid / Semi-Arid

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- S/D D T/D T - S/D - T - - -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 22.7°C (optimal range: 13–24°C) ✓ Ready to plant

Modelled from Open-Meteo forecast (Alice Springs), not a live sensor.

How to Grow Leek in Arid / Semi-Arid Australia

When to Plant

March to August. Autumn-winter growing. Need consistent irrigation.

Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Leeks are heavy feeders that benefit from deeply dug beds with generous compost and aged manure. Prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Add lime to acidic soils.
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours). Tolerates partial shade better than most alliums, but stems will be thinner in shade.
Spacing
15cm apart, 40cm between rows
Watering
Consistent moisture throughout growth. Water deeply once or twice per week. Leeks are more drought-tolerant than onions but produce thicker stems with consistent water. Reduce watering slightly in win

Companion plants: Carrot, Celery, Onion, Strawberry, Beetroot

Avoid planting near: Beans, Peas

Arid / Semi-Arid Growing Tips for Leek

Recommended Varieties

  • King Richard
  • Musselburgh

Key Challenges

  • Thrips thrive in dry conditions
  • Irrigation needs
  • Sandy soils lacking nutrients

Pro Tips

  • Drip irrigation essential for consistent moisture
  • Overhead irrigation occasionally helps manage thrips
  • Heavy compost additions to improve sandy soils

Harvesting Leek

When ready: Stems are at least 2cm diameter (pencil-thick minimum, but 3-5cm is better). Can be harvested at any size from baby leeks (1cm diameter, 10 weeks) to full-size (5cm+, 5-6 months). No rush. Leeks hold well in the ground.

How to harvest: Loosen soil alongside the leek with a garden fork, then lever out. Do not pull straight up. The stem may snap. Trim roots and damaged outer leaves. Wash thoroughly between sheaths (soil and insects hide in the layers).

Where to next

What leek costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the arid and semi-arid zone this September: Ginger, Chilli Peppers, Lemongrass and Beetroot.

The pest most likely to find your leek: Downy Mildew.

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Common Questions About Leek

When do you plant leek in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does leek grow all year round in Alice Springs?

No. In the Arid / Semi-Arid zone the planting months are Feb to May, Jul, Sep. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Arid / Semi-Arid zone, Alice Springs is its reference city.