When to Plant Chives in San Miguel 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.
San Miguel County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.
At an elevation of 8,402 feet, San Miguel County receives approximately 21.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season.
San Miguel County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 — San Miguel County, CO
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
113 days
Growing Tips for San Miguel 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 San Miguel County, CO?
San Miguel County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Miguel County, CO?
San Miguel County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help San Miguel County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.