King Richard Leek
Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum 'King Richard'
An exceptional early leek variety that produces long, slender white shanks in just 75 days from transplant. Known for its tender texture and mild onion flavor, King Richard is perfect for gardeners wanting quick results without sacrificing quality. This variety excels in both spring and fall plantings.
Harvest
75-85d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
5–10
USDA hardiness
Height
3-4 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for King Richard Leek in USDA Zone 7
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King Richard Leek · Zones 5–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | May – June | July – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | April – June | July – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | April – May | July – November |
| Zone 6 | — | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 7 | — | — | March – May | June – November |
| Zone 8 | — | — | March – April | May – December |
| Zone 9 | — | — | February – March | April – December |
| Zone 10 | — | — | January – March | April – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Type: Capsule.
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: The leaves and bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked in small quantities.
Storage & Preservation
Fresh King Richard leeks store best in the refrigerator, wrapped loosely in plastic bags with a few holes for air circulation. Remove any damaged outer leaves and trim roots to about 1 inch before storing. Under these conditions, they'll maintain quality for 2-3 weeks in the crisper drawer.
For longer preservation, clean and slice leeks into rounds, then freeze them on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags — this prevents clumping and allows you to use portions as needed. Frozen leeks work perfectly in soups and stews but lose their crisp texture. You can also dehydrate cleaned, sliced leeks at 125°F for 8-12 hours to create leek flakes for seasoning. Fermentation is another excellent option: slice leeks and ferment them with 2% salt by weight for 3-5 days to create a tangy condiment that pairs beautifully with roasted meats and vegetables.
History & Origin
Origin: Macronesia, Mediterranean, Asia
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Rabbits, Voles
- +Edible: The leaves and bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked in small quantities.
Considerations
- -Toxic: Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Carrots
Complementary root depths and carrot rust fly is repelled by leek scent
Tomatoes
Leeks repel aphids and whiteflies that commonly attack tomatoes
Cabbage
Leeks deter cabbage worms and root maggots from brassicas
Lettuce
Shallow roots complement deep leek roots, efficient space usage
Celery
Both prefer cool, moist conditions and have compatible growing requirements
Onions
Similar allium family benefits, both repel many common garden pests
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects and doesn't compete for nutrients
Spinach
Cool season crop with shallow roots that complement leek growth pattern
Keep Apart
Beans
Nitrogen fixation can cause excessive leaf growth at expense of bulb development
Peas
Heavy nitrogen production leads to weak, overly leafy leek growth
Asparagus
Competes for similar soil nutrients and both are heavy feeders
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169246)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to rust and downy mildew
Common Pests
Onion maggot, thrips, leek moth
Diseases
White rot, downy mildew, purple blotch