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When to Plant Chives in Indiana

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.

Indiana spans USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 6b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Chives planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Chives Planting Calendar for Indiana

Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Sep 5
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Aug 28
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Aug 21

Growing Tips for Indiana

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chives in Indiana?

Planting dates for Chives in Indiana depend on your USDA zone. Indiana spans zones 5b, 6a, 6b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Indiana for planting?

Indiana contains USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 6b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.