Chives Planting Guide
Chives are a hardy perennial herb with a mild onion flavor and attractive purple pom-pom flowers. They are one of the easiest herbs to grow and maintain.
Allium schoenoprasum · Herb · Amaryllidaceae family · 60–90 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Chives?
Chives Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Chives planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | — | May 22 | Jul 24 – Sep 25 |
| Zone 3b | — | — | May 17 | Jul 19 – Sep 20 |
| Zone 4a | — | — | May 13 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 4b | — | — | May 8 | Jul 10 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 2 | Jul 4 – Sep 12 |
| Zone 5b | — | — | Apr 25 | Jun 27 – Sep 5 |
| Zone 6a | — | — | Apr 17 | Jun 19 – Aug 28 |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 10 | Jun 12 – Aug 21 |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 3 – Aug 12 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Mar 25 | May 27 – Aug 5 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 15 | May 17 – Jul 26 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 4 | May 6 – Jul 15 |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 17 | Apr 21 – Jun 30 |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 1 | Apr 5 – Jun 14 |
| Zone 10a | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 |
| Zone 10b | — | — | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 10b
Growing Tips
Start from seed or divisions in spring. Cut back to 2 inches after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and delicious.
Saving Chives Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Chives by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Chives?
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) takes 60 to 90 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Chives grow in?
Chives can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Chives need?
Growing Chives requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.