When to plant chives in zone 10a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

NOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Dec 6 · Sow Jan 17 · First harvest Mar 18 · Wrap by Aug 5

Last spring frostJan 31

Start seeds indoorsDec 6

Direct sowJan 17

First harvestMar 18

Last harvestAug 5

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Chives tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 8 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does chives take to grow in zone 10a?

Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 10a that means sowing around Jan 17 and first picking around Mar 18.

Will chives survive frost in zone 10a?

Yes — chives tolerates light frost. In zone 10a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Jan 31) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full chives growing guide →