When to plant chives in zone 10b — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 10B

Growing SeasonZone 10b

Last frost ~Jan 15First frost ~Dec 31Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

NOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Start indoors Nov 20 · Sow Jan 1 · First harvest Mar 2 · Wrap by Jul 20

Last spring frostJan 15

Start seeds indoorsNov 20

Direct sowJan 1

First harvestMar 2

Last harvestJul 20

First fall frostDec 31

Why these dates work in zone 10b

Zone 10b's last spring frost averages Jan 15 and first fall frost Dec 31 — about 350 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 10b?

Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 10b that means sowing around Jan 1 and first picking around Mar 2.

Will chives survive frost in zone 10b?

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

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