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Can You Grow Leek in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Leeks grow well here — cold-hardy and can be harvested into late autumn.

Plant zones

3a–9b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

100–150 days

When to plant Leeks in Illinois

Start indoors

Jan 12

Transplant

Apr 7

Harvest

Jul 16 – Sep 4

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Leek

Leeks are cold-hardy slow-growing vegetables that can be harvested well into autumn and even winter.

Start indoors in late winter — leeks need a very long season. Transplant deeply to blanch stems. Harvest after first frosts — cold improves flavour. Very cold-hardy surviving to -10°C.

Full leek growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.