How to Grow Leek in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Sow seed thickly and transplant when seedlings are pencil-thick, then mound soil around the stems to blanch them white. Slow but rewarding, and stands well through winter in the north.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant leek in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, August, September, October |
Best leek varieties for NZ
- Musselburgh, Popular hardy home-garden leek with long thick white shanks. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- Defiant F1, Disease-tolerant hybrid with a long shank, mid to late maturing. (Egmont Seeds)
- Swiss Zermatt, Very early variety ideal for baby leeks with long slender shanks. (Egmont Seeds)
How to grow leek
- Space plants about 15cm apart.
- Sow seed around 5cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 120 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow leek near: Carrot, Celery.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Thrips, Rust, Slugs. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Leek in your garden →For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Leek plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant leek in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, August, September, October. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy leek seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds.