When to plant chives in zone 5b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 5B

Growing SeasonZone 5b

Last frost ~May 15First frost ~Sep 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT

Start indoors Mar 20 · Sow May 1 · First harvest Jun 30 · Wrap by Sep 30

Last spring frostMay 15

Start seeds indoorsMar 20

Direct sowMay 1

First harvestJun 30

Last harvestSep 30

First fall frostSep 30

Why these dates work in zone 5b

Zone 5b's last spring frost averages May 15 and first fall frost Sep 30 — about 138 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 5b?

Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 5b that means sowing around May 1 and first picking around Jun 30.

Will chives survive frost in zone 5b?

Yes — chives tolerates light frost. In zone 5b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 30).

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