Our readers keep the lights on and the coffee maker working hard! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Planting leeks from seed demands careful timing, indoor lighting setups, and weeks of patience before you ever see a true stalk. Many home gardeners skip that whole process by starting with onion sets — small, dormant bulbs that leap into growth the moment they hit soil. The challenge shifts from germination anxiety to picking the right variety that will actually size up in your region and soil type.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years digging through seed catalogs, grower reviews, and regional planting data to separate the onion sets that consistently perform from those that disappoint.
After analyzing hundreds of verified purchase reports across multiple growing zones, these selections represent the most reliable leeks for planting whether you need a quick scallion harvest or bulbs that store through winter.
How To Choose The Best Leeks For Planting
Onion sets look deceptively similar in the bag, but the differences between varieties and source quality determine whether you harvest golf-ball-sized bulbs or full softball-sized onions. Three factors separate a productive season from a frustrating one.
Match the Day-Length to Your Latitude
Onions are photoperiod-sensitive. Short-day varieties (10-12 hours of daylight) bulb in southern gardens but produce only tops in northern states. Long-day varieties (14-16 hours) are required north of the 37th parallel. Intermediate or day-neutral types offer flexibility across zones 5-7. Pay close attention to the product description — a mislabeled set yields tops that never bulb.
Inspect Firmness and Sprout Activity
Healthy sets arrive firm, with dry outer skins and no mold. Soft spots or shriveled bulbs indicate improper storage and poor viability. Sets that have already pushed green sprouts in the bag are not necessarily dead — they are simply eager. Plant them immediately. Avoid sets that feel hollow or crumble when squeezed.
Count the Bulbs and Plan the Space
Most listings advertise a bulb count range (40-60, 60-80, 80-100) rather than a precise number since set size varies seasonally. A pound of sets typically occupies 30-50 square feet of garden bed at standard 4-inch spacing. Shorter rows of scallions can be planted tighter, but full-sized bulbs need room to expand without competition.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed Red, White, Yellow 1 lb | Premium Mix | Bulb variety and storage | 80-100 bulbs per pound | Amazon |
| White Onion Sets 60-80 Bulbs | Premium White | Mild scallions or storage onions | 98% germination reported | Amazon |
| CaribbeanGarden Mix 40 Bulbs | Tri-Color Mix | Garden color variety | Red, white, yellow mix | Amazon |
| Stargazer Yellow 50-60 Bulbs | Mid-Range Yellow | Reliable storage onions | Intermediate-day variety | Amazon |
| 30 Yellow Onion Sets | Budget Entry | Small garden trial | Heirloom, sandy soil | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Mixed Red, White, and Yellow Onion Sets 1 Pound Non-GMO Bulbs for Planting
This 1-pound assortment provides an impressive 80 to 100 hand-sorted bulbs covering red, white, and yellow types. The mix includes intermediate, day-neutral, and long-day selections, so it adapts to a wide range of latitudes from zone 5 through zone 8. Each bulb arrives firm with dry skins intact, ready for immediate planting in raised beds, containers, or traditional rows.
Buyer reports consistently show 94% or higher sprouting rates, with the few failures typically attributed to squirrels digging up fresh plantings rather than bulb quality. The variety allows you to harvest scallions early from the reds and whites while letting yellows mature into full storage onions. A growing tip sheet is included with spacing instructions for both green and dry onion production.
Intermediate-day genetics give this mix the widest geographic flexibility of any set on this list. Plant 3 to 6 inches apart depending on your target size, and cure the bulbs for 14 days after harvest to maximize storage life through winter.
What works
- Three color varieties in one bag for culinary range
- Day-neutral mix performs across diverse climates
- Included growing guide clarifies spacing and harvest timing
What doesn’t
- Cannot ship to Washington or Idaho due to agricultural restrictions
- Bulb size varies within the pound, some smaller sets require sorting
2. White Onion Sets, 60-80 Bulbs
White onion sets from Starting Gardens deliver a concentrated run of firm white bulbs that can be harvested as scallions in 4 to 5 weeks or left to size up into full dry onions by July or August. The 12- to 18-inch mature height and moderate growth rate make this a predictable choice for fall or spring planting schedules across well-drained soil.
Verified buyers report germination rates approaching 98%, with many receiving double the advertised count. The sets arrive fresh with no shriveling, and sprouting begins within a week of planting in full sun. The white flesh offers a milder, sweeter flavor than yellow storage onions, ideal for fresh eating and salads rather than long-term root cellar storage.
Spacing at 2 to 4 inches apart in the row, planted 1 to 2 inches deep, produces consistent sizing. One experienced grower noted that these white sets are perfect for a winter crop of green onions when local nurseries are out of stock in fall.
What works
- Exceptional 98% sprouting rate from buyer reports
- Many customers receive significantly more bulbs than listed
- Suitable for both spring and fall planting windows
What doesn’t
- White onions have shorter storage life than yellow varieties
- Requires well-drained soil or raised beds for best results
3. CaribbeanGarden Mix, Red, Yellow, White Onion Sets (40 Bulbs)
This tri-color pack offers a compact 40-bulb assortment that lets gardeners sample red, white, and yellow onions without committing to a full pound. The sets are marketed with organic material features and are suited for sandy, well-drained soil in full sun. The compact size fits small raised beds or container gardens where space limits bulk purchases.
Buyer experiences split sharply based on geography. One reviewer reported that the seller confirmed these are short-day onions, meaning they perform best in southern regions (zone 7 and warmer). Northern gardeners experienced poor sprouting, especially with the yellow bulbs which made up the majority of the pack. Successful reports came from zone 8 plantings where nearly all sets sprouted and produced well.
Shipping packaging is minimal — a plastic mailer with no padding — which led to some crushed bulbs in transit. That said, customers who received intact sets reported double the expected count and vigorous early growth. This pack is best treated as a southern-region choice or a small-scale trial for adventurous northern growers.
What works
- Three colors in one small pack for culinary variety
- Many buyers received nearly double the listed count
- Excellent germination in southern zones with short-day conditions
What doesn’t
- Short-day variety performs poorly in northern latitudes
- Minimal packaging leads to occasional transit damage
- Inconsistent yellow bulb germination reported
4. Yellow Onion Sets for Planting – 50-60 Non-GMO Stuttgarter Bulbs
The Stuttgarter yellow onion is a classic intermediate-day variety that reliably produces mildly sweet bulbs with excellent storage qualities. This 8-ounce package from Stargazer Perennials contains 50 to 60 USA-grown sets, hand-selected for planting in garden beds, raised planters, or containers. The intermediate-day classification makes it a strong fit for zones 5 through 7 where day length falls between northern and southern extremes.
Customer feedback highlights hearty, fast-establishing bulbs that took hold quickly with nearly 100% survivability. Mixed bulb sizes are common — about 22 extra-large sets with the rest ranging from marble-sized to smaller — but the larger sets can be harvested early as scallions while the rest mature to full size. Slow bolting genetics give you a wider harvest window before quality declines.
Storage performance is where Stuttgarter shines. These onions cure well and hold firm for months in cool, dry conditions, making them a top pick for winter supply. The included growing guide covers proper planting depth, spacing, and curing techniques to maximize yield and shelf life.
What works
- Intermediate-day variety suitable for zones 5-7
- Excellent long-term storage potential after curing
- Slow bolting genetics extend harvest flexibility
What doesn’t
- Cannot ship to Washington or Idaho due to agricultural restrictions
- Bulb sizes vary significantly within the package
- Some shipments reported desiccated sets mixed with viable ones
5. 30 Onion Set – Yellow Heirloom
This small 30-bulb pack of classic yellow heirloom onions offers a low-commitment entry point for gardeners who want to test onion growing without investing in a bulk pound. The heirloom classification means open-pollinated genetics that can be saved for future planting if you allow a few bulbs to flower and set seed. Sandy soil with moderate watering in full sun is the recommended environment.
Buyer experiences are mixed but instructive. Positive reports describe 100% germination with tall, lush tops and excellent flavor at all growth stages, grown successfully in both grow bags and raised containers. A Michigan gardener planted these as fall sets and reported vigorous 6-inch growth heading into winter. On the downside, a significant minority reported that nothing sprouted except a single bulb after three weeks, pointing to potential storage issues before shipment.
The 30-bulb count makes this ideal for a short row or a container trial. The heirloom status adds value for seed savers, though the inconsistent germination from some batches means you may want to plant extra to hedge your bets. USDA hardiness zone 3 tolerance indicates these sets handle cold winters if planted in fall for spring emergence.
What works
- Heirloom genetics allow seed saving for future seasons
- Excellent flavor reported at all growth stages
- USDA zone 3 hardy for cold climate fall planting
What doesn’t
- Inconsistent germination from some batches
- Small 30-bulb count limits large garden coverage
- Reported bulbs may produce very small onions if conditions aren’t ideal
Hardware & Specs Guide
Day-Length Classification
Short-day onions bulb when daylight reaches 10-12 hours, best for southern gardens below the 35th parallel. Long-day onions require 14-16 hours, essential north of the 40th parallel. Intermediate or day-neutral types adapt across zones 5-7 by bulking up regardless of photoperiod. Choosing the wrong classification for your latitude means lush tops that never form bulbs.
Planting Depth and Spacing
Sets should be planted 1 to 2 inches deep with the pointed tip just below the soil surface. Space sets 2 to 4 inches apart for scallions and 4 to 6 inches apart for full-sized bulbs. Rows should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart to allow airflow and weeding access. Tighter spacing produces smaller bulbs; wider spacing maximizes size.
FAQ
What is the difference between onion sets and onion seeds for leek planting?
Can I plant onion sets in fall for a spring harvest?
Why did some of my onion sets arrive shriveled or moldy?
How do I cure onions for long-term storage?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best leeks for planting winner is the Mixed Red, White, and Yellow Onion Sets (1 lb) because it provides 80-100 bulbs across three color types with day-neutral genetics that perform from zone 5 to zone 8. If you prioritize high germination rates and mild scallions, grab the White Onion Sets (60-80 bulbs). And for cold-climate fall planting with seed-saving potential, nothing beats the 30 Yellow Heirloom Set.