HomeLeek › Grow in Iowa

Can You Grow Leek in Iowa?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

3a–9b

Iowa last frost

mid-April

Iowa first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

100–150 days

When to plant Leeks in Iowa

Start indoors

Jan 20

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jul 24 – Sep 12

Dates are approximate, based on Iowa'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 Iowa

Iowa has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Most of the state is Zone 5a-5b. Excellent for cool-season crops and hardy fruits.

See what grows well in Iowa →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Leek in Iowa?

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

What zone is Iowa?

Iowa spans USDA Zone 5a (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b).

When do you plant Leeks in Iowa?

Plant Leeks around mid-April (start indoors Jan 20), harvest Jul 24 – Sep 12.