When to plant chives in zone 6b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6B

Growing SeasonZone 6b

Last frost ~Apr 20First frost ~Oct 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 23 · Sow Apr 6 · First harvest Jun 5 · Wrap by Oct 15

Last spring frostApr 20

Start seeds indoorsFeb 23

Direct sowApr 6

First harvestJun 5

Last harvestOct 15

First fall frostOct 15

Why these dates work in zone 6b

Zone 6b's last spring frost averages Apr 20 and first fall frost Oct 15 — about 178 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 6b?

Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 6b that means sowing around Apr 6 and first picking around Jun 5.

Will chives survive frost in zone 6b?

Yes — chives tolerates light frost. In zone 6b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 20) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 15).

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