- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 75 days
Family: Alliaceae
Native: Eastern Mediterranean region
Hardiness: Biennial grown as an annual
Exposure: Full sun
Plant Dimensions: 18"–30" tall. Under optimal growing conditions, the white part of 'King Richard' can be 12" long, making the entire plant up to 30" long.
Variety Info: Leek plants resemble a long, fat green onion. The white lower portion has a mild onion flavor while the green tops are stronger tasting. Cold hardy to 20°F.
Attributes: Frost Tolerant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date for late summer harvest, late spring for fall harvest, and in Mild Climates, late summer for the following spring harvest. Soil temperature should be at least 40°F, ideally 60°–85°F.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 8 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: 7–14 days
Seed Depth: ¼
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 6"
Row Spacing: 12"
Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 6"
Your hardiness zone is
Growing Info
Harvesting: Harvest leeks when tops are 15"–18" tall, and shanks are at least 1" in diameter. Use a garden fork to gently lift and loosen soil under the leeks, and then pull them up by hand. Leeks tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F, and can therefore be harvested even after a few freezes, which enhances flavor.
- Robert V.Verified BuyerRated 3 out of 5 stars10/15/25Hardly any Seeds
I originally would give a one star but after talking with Botanical Interest, I upgraded to a four star. Recieved my order quickly. Upon opening the pack of seeds though I found it almost empty. I contacted BI and they apologized for the error. They made up for it right away by putting credit in my account as well as a code for free shipping. I know it wasn't their fault as errors can happen with machine packaging. Very grateful and happy on the way they resolved my little problem. Thank you BI.
Which best describes you as a gardener? ExpertBIBotanical Interests10/18/25Hey Robert,
Thank you so much for this 3-star review and for giving us the opportunity to make things right! We're so grateful that you reached out about the packaging issue with your King Richard Leek Seeds - and we're thrilled that our customer service team was able to resolve everything quickly with account credit and free shipping.
We absolutely appreciate your understanding that these machine packaging errors can happen, and it means the world to us that you took the time to update your review after experiencing our commitment to making things right. That kind of feedback helps us continue improving while showing other gardeners that we truly stand behind every seed packet we send out.
Your patience with the initial issue and recognition of our quick resolution will be so helpful for other gardeners who want to know they can trust us to deliver quality King Richard Leek Seeds and exceptional service when anything doesn't go as expected!
Keep on growing 🌻️
- Sarah G.Rated 5 out of 5 stars11/25/245 Stars
I have grown these leeks for 3 years now in Denver (6a). I love that I can leave them in the ground until November-December and get that extra growing time after frost. I start with the winter sowing method in February and transplant in April/May. They are hardy, delicious, and I have had no issues with bugs. I plan to grow these every year!
- George C.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars11/18/245 Stars
Your (seeds) products have been great.
Growing leek plants for planting now.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate - John R.Verified BuyerRated 3 out of 5 stars11/18/243 Stars
I presume that most gardeners plant seeds; I, on the other hand, bury them. These leeks did sprout but something I did didn't work out - they are spindly sort of things. I will try again next year.
- Katherine B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars11/10/245 Stars
Great show with very helpful advice throughout my gardening journey. So grateful they off seeds and gardening products!
Thank you!
Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate