Last spring frostMay 7
Start seeds indoorsMar 12
Direct sowApr 23
First harvestJun 22
Last harvestOct 13
First fall frostOct 13
Why these dates work in zone 4a
Zone 4a's last spring frost averages May 7 and first fall frost Oct 13 — about 159 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 4a?
Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 4a that means sowing around Apr 23 and first picking around Jun 22.
Will chives survive frost in zone 4a?
Yes — chives tolerates light frost. In zone 4a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 7) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 13).
For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full chives growing guide →