Hilling Leeks: How to Grow Long, White Stems

If you’ve ever admired market leeks with tall, white shanks, you’ve likely seen the results of hilling. This age-old technique helps produce tender, mild stalks perfect for the kitchen. I’ve used hilling for years in my own raised and wide-row beds, and it’s one of the simplest ways to get impressive results.

Table of Contents

Why Hill Leeks?

Leek stalks turn white when protected from sunlight. By gradually covering the lower part of the plant with soil, you block light, encouraging longer, blanched stems. The more you hill, the longer the white portion grows.

Step 1: Plant Leeks Deeply

Start seedlings 6–8 inches tall.
Plant them in holes 6 inches deep, leaving just the tips above soil.
This gives you a head start on blanching before hilling begins.

Step 2: Begin Hilling at the Right Time

Start when leeks are about 10–12 inches tall.
Gently pull loose soil up around the stalk, covering 2–3 inches at a time.
Repeat every 2–3 weeks as leeks grow.

Step 3: Maintain Soil Health

Use well-draining, crumbly soil that can be pulled up easily.
Avoid burying leaves, which can rot if covered.
Mulch between rows to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Step 4: Water and Feed Consistently

Keep soil evenly moist—dryness can slow growth.
Feed with compost tea or balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks for steady growth.

Step 5: Harvesting Hilled Leeks

When stalks are thick (about 1–2 inches wide), harvest by loosening the soil and pulling gently. Hilled leeks typically have longer, sweeter white stems compared to unhilled ones.

Final Thoughts

Hilling takes a little extra effort, but it pays off with superior leeks. Over the years, I’ve found that leeks grown in wide beds respond especially well to hilling, producing uniform, restaurant-quality stalks. If you want long, tender stems, this method is worth adding to your garden routine.

Leek Hilling Schedule: Quick Reference

Leek Height	Action	Soil Depth Added	Notes
6–8 inches (planting)	Plant seedlings in deep holes	6 inches	Start deep so you already have some blanching before hilling begins.
10–12 inches	Begin first hilling	2–3 inches	Gently pull soil up around stems without covering leaves.
Every 2–3 weeks	Repeat hilling as leeks grow taller	2–3 inches each time	Continue until soil is built up 6–8 inches around the plant base.
At maturity	Maintain soil height	—	Stop hilling once desired blanching length is achieved.