When to plant chives in zone 9b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9B

Growing SeasonZone 9b

Last frost ~Feb 15First frost ~Dec 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Start indoors Dec 21 · Sow Feb 1 · First harvest Apr 2 · Wrap by Aug 20

Last spring frostFeb 15

Start seeds indoorsDec 21

Direct sowFeb 1

First harvestApr 2

Last harvestAug 20

First fall frostDec 10

Why these dates work in zone 9b

Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 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 9b?

Chives matures in about 60–80 days from sowing. In zone 9b that means sowing around Feb 1 and first picking around Apr 2.

Will chives survive frost in zone 9b?

Yes — chives tolerates light frost. In zone 9b you can sow a little before the last frost (around Feb 15) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 10).

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