When to plant chives in zone 6a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Mar 5 · Sow Apr 16 · First harvest Jun 15 · Wrap by Oct 10

Last spring frostApr 30

Start seeds indoorsMar 5

Direct sowApr 16

First harvestJun 15

Last harvestOct 10

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 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 6a?

Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 6a that means sowing around Apr 16 and first picking around Jun 15.

Will chives survive frost in zone 6a?

Yes — chives tolerates light frost. In zone 6a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

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