When to Plant Leek in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow January to April and August to 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 Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs 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 Subtropical

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

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Want a nudge when it is Leek sowing time in Brisbane?

One email a week with what is worth planting in the Subtropical zone right now, Leek included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 20.4°C (optimal range: 13–24°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off my own weather station here at Dayboro in South East Queensland at 18:55 yesterday, not a model. The radar, the rain gauge and the forecasts behind it sit on Dayboro.au.

How to Grow Leek in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Sow March to August. Transplant April to September. Harvest July to November. SEQ's mild winters produce good leeks.

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

Subtropical Growing Tips for Leek

Recommended Varieties

  • King Richard
  • Musselburgh
  • Perpetual Leek

Key Challenges

  • Summer heat if planted late
  • Rust in humid conditions
  • Thrips

Pro Tips

  • Start seed in March-April, transplant into dibbled holes in May-June
  • Perpetual leeks thrive in SEQ - divide clumps every year for a continuous supply
  • Blanch by mounding soil or mulch up the stem progressively

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 subtropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Beetroot and Chilli Peppers.

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 Brisbane?

No. In the Subtropical zone the planting months are Jan to Apr, Aug to 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 Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.