Sowing window (UK)March to April
Minimum soil temperature7°C at seed depth
Sowing depth1 cm
Spacing30 cm apart
Days to germination14 days
Days to harvest210 days
Sowing methodStart under cover, transplant out
Frost hardyYes
Sunfull-sun
Wateringmoderate
Plant familyAmaryllidaceae

When should I sow Leek 'Musselburgh' in the UK?

In the UK, sow Leek 'Musselburgh' from March to April. It is normally started under cover and transplanted. Wait until the soil has reached 7°C at seed depth rather than going by the calendar - leek will sit and rot in cold ground.

What soil temperature does Leek 'Musselburgh' need to germinate?

Leek 'Musselburgh' needs a minimum soil temperature of 7°C at seed depth to germinate reliably. Below that, germination is slow and patchy, and seed is more likely to rot than sprout. Measure at around 5cm down, in the morning, rather than trusting air temperature.

How deep and how far apart should I sow Leek 'Musselburgh'?

For Leek 'Musselburgh', sow it 1cm deep and space plants 30cm apart.

How long does Leek 'Musselburgh' take to grow?

Leek 'Musselburgh' takes roughly 210 days from sowing to harvest. Seed usually germinates in about 14 days.

Is Leek 'Musselburgh' frost hardy?

Yes. Leek 'Musselburgh' is frost hardy and will stand through UK frosts, so it can be left out over winter in most of the country.

Sowing data cross-checked against RHS growing guides and UK seed-merchant catalogues. Soil temperatures are the minimum for reliable germination, measured at seed depth.