When to plant chives in zone 5a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5A

Growing SeasonZone 5a

Last frost ~May 10First frost ~Oct 1Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT

Start indoors Mar 15 · Sow Apr 26 · First harvest Jun 25 · Wrap by Oct 1

Last spring frostMay 10

Start seeds indoorsMar 15

Direct sowApr 26

First harvestJun 25

Last harvestOct 1

First fall frostOct 1

Why these dates work in zone 5a

Zone 5a's last spring frost averages May 10 and first fall frost Oct 1 — about 144 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 5a?

Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 5a that means sowing around Apr 26 and first picking around Jun 25.

Will chives survive frost in zone 5a?

Yes — chives tolerates light frost. In zone 5a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 10) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 1).

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