When to plant chives in zone 3a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3A

Growing SeasonZone 3a

Last frost ~May 30First frost ~Sep 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Apr 4 · Sow May 16 · First harvest Jul 15 · Wrap by Sep 10

Last spring frostMay 30

Start seeds indoorsApr 4

Direct sowMay 16

First harvestJul 15

Last harvestSep 10

First fall frostSep 10

Why these dates work in zone 3a

Zone 3a's last spring frost averages May 30 and first fall frost Sep 10 — about 103 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 3a?

Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 3a that means sowing around May 16 and first picking around Jul 15.

Will chives survive frost in zone 3a?

Yes — chives tolerates light frost. In zone 3a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 10).

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