When to plant chives in zone 7a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7A

Growing SeasonZone 7a

Last frost ~Apr 15First frost ~Oct 25Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 18 · Sow Apr 1 · First harvest May 31 · Wrap by Oct 18

Last spring frostApr 15

Start seeds indoorsFeb 18

Direct sowApr 1

First harvestMay 31

Last harvestOct 18

First fall frostOct 25

Why these dates work in zone 7a

Zone 7a's last spring frost averages Apr 15 and first fall frost Oct 25 — about 193 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 7a?

Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 7a that means sowing around Apr 1 and first picking around May 31.

Will chives survive frost in zone 7a?

Yes — chives tolerates light frost. In zone 7a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Apr 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Oct 25).

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