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When to Plant Chives in Jefferson Davis County, MS

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.

Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 126 feet, Jefferson Davis County receives approximately 59.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chives, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chives root diseases.

Jefferson Davis County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 19

Jefferson Davis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 8 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jul 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (116 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 17 – Jul 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Aug 14

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 58 gal / 100 sq ft
Chives needs ~1,481 GDD — county provides 5,056 GDD Excellent fit

Chives Planting Timeline โ€” Jefferson Davis County, MS

Chives Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Mar 29
Harvest May 17 May 17 โ€“ Jul 26

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

256 days

Growing Tips for Jefferson Davis 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

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chives in Jefferson Davis County, MS?

Jefferson Davis County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jefferson Davis County, MS?

Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 19.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Jefferson Davis County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jefferson Davis County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.