When to plant chives in zone 9a — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEP

Start indoors Jan 3 · Sow Feb 14 · First harvest Apr 15 · Wrap by Sep 2

Last spring frostFeb 28

Start seeds indoorsJan 3

Direct sowFeb 14

First harvestApr 15

Last harvestSep 2

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 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 9a?

Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 9a that means sowing around Feb 14 and first picking around Apr 15.

Will chives survive frost in zone 9a?

Yes — chives tolerates light frost. In zone 9a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Feb 28) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

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