When to plant chives in zone 8b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Jan 18 · Sow Mar 1 · First harvest Apr 30 · Wrap by Sep 17

Last spring frostMar 15

Start seeds indoorsJan 18

Direct sowMar 1

First harvestApr 30

Last harvestSep 17

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 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 8b?

Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 8b that means sowing around Mar 1 and first picking around Apr 30.

Will chives survive frost in zone 8b?

Yes — chives tolerates light frost. In zone 8b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Mar 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

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