When to Plant Leek in Cairns, Tropical Guide

Sow April to June. Right now in September it is out of season. The next sowing month is April.

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 Tropical zone, which takes in Cairns, Townsville and Darwin. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Brisbane 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 Tropical

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

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

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

One email a week with what is worth planting in the Tropical 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: 21.4°C (optimal range: 13–24°C) ✓ Ready to plant

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

How to Grow Leek in Tropical Australia

When to Plant

March to July (dry season). Leeks struggle in tropical heat and humidity. Short-season varieties only. Perpetual leeks are the most reliable option for FNQ.

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

Tropical Growing Tips for Leek

Recommended Varieties

  • King Richard (early, 75 days)
  • Perpetual Leek (perennial, division)

Key Challenges

  • Heat causing thin, tough stems
  • Purple blotch in humidity
  • Limited variety selection
  • Not enough cool weather for thick stems

Pro Tips

  • Perpetual leeks are the best option for tropical gardeners. Divide clumps, harvest continually
  • King Richard matures in 75 days and can fit the dry season
  • Grow in afternoon shade to moderate temperatures

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 tropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Cucumber and Basil.

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

Get the Full Interactive Guide

Track your garden, get real-time pest alerts, and plan around your zone's weather.

Open the planting dashboard Join Garden Buddy

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 Cairns?

No. In the Tropical zone the planting months are Apr to Jun. 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 Tropical zone, Cairns is its reference city.