When to Plant Chives in Huerfano County, CO
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.
Huerfano County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.
At an elevation of 7,235 feet, Huerfano County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chives successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Huerfano County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chives Planting Timeline — Huerfano County, CO
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
141 days
Growing Tips for Huerfano County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Huerfano County, CO?
Huerfano County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Huerfano County, CO?
Huerfano County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Huerfano County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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