How to Store Leeks
Leeks are exceptionally hardy and usually store best where they grew. Their upright stems remain fresh in the soil through much of the British winter, allowing a steady supply when few other vegetables are available. Choose firm, healthy plants and lift only those needed for cooking, particularly after wet or frosty weather.
Best storage conditions
The ideal conditions are outdoors in cool, moist soil, with plants protected from extreme freezing by their own foliage and a light mulch where needed. Leeks tolerate temperatures around 0 degrees C and often lower, but repeated deep freezing can make lifting difficult. If lifted, keep them at 0 to 4 degrees C, humid, dark and airy in a frost-free shed, garage, cellar or porch. Avoid warm, dry rooms.
How long it keeps
Leeks can remain in the ground from autumn into early spring, often for 4 to 6 months, depending on variety and weather. Lifted and heeled-in leeks usually remain usable for several weeks. Once washed and trimmed, they do not keep long in the refrigerator, so prepare or freeze them promptly.
Storage methods
Leave the main crop standing in the ground and lift fresh leeks as required, beginning with the largest. In colder gardens, cover the soil around the row with straw or other loose mulch, keeping it clear of the stems. If a bed is needed, lift a batch carefully with roots attached and heel them into a trench or box of moist soil or sand in a sheltered frost-free spot. Stand plants close together but do not crush them. Alternatively, keep several upright in a bucket of damp compost in a cool garage. Store only clean, sound plants and remove any rotting leaves immediately.
Preserving
Slice washed leeks, blanch briefly, cool quickly, drain thoroughly and freeze in bags or tubs for a chest freezer. They are particularly convenient frozen as ready-to-use portions for soups, pies and sauces. Cooked leek dishes can also be frozen. Drying is possible but gives a different texture and is less useful than freezing. Follow a trusted recipe if making leek chutney or another preserve.
Tips
Do not strip too many outer layers while harvesting, as they protect the shank until preparation. In heavy clay, lift before a severe freeze is forecast, or heel plants into sand under cover. Keep soil out of the leaf folds by splitting and rinsing thoroughly before cooking. Use any plants that begin to bolt or soften first.
Storing Leeks: frequently asked questions
How do I store leeks?
Leave the main crop standing in the ground and lift fresh leeks as required, beginning with the largest.
How long does leeks keep in storage?
Leeks can remain in the ground from autumn into early spring, often for 4 to 6 months, depending on variety and weather.
What are the best conditions for storing leeks?
The ideal conditions are outdoors in cool, moist soil, with plants protected from extreme freezing by their own foliage and a light mulch where needed.
Store only sound, dry produce and check regularly. For bottling and preserving, follow a trusted recipe. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.