When to Plant Chives in Bonner County, ID
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.
Bonner County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 7,480 feet, Bonner County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chives successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Bonner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Bonner County
How your county's soil matches Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.2) is more alkaline than Chives prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bonner County is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Chives.
How to Plant Chives
Succession Planting Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 05 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 1.5" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 0.9" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 1.1" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 1.2" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 1.7" | 1.1" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 1.7" | 1.1" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bonner County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chives Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chives Planting Timeline — Bonner County, ID
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Bonner County
Growing Tips for Chives in Bonner County
Direct sow Chives outdoors after May 05 in Bonner County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General 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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Bonner County, ID?
Bonner County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bonner County, ID?
Bonner County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bonner County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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