When to Plant Chives in Broome County, NY
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.
Broome County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.
At an elevation of 802 feet, Broome County receives approximately 46.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Broome County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.6
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
Chives Planting Timeline — Broome County, NY
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 25 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
156 days
Growing Tips for Broome 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 Broome County, NY?
Broome County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Broome County, NY?
Broome County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Broome County gardeners in Zone 5b 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.