When to Plant Chives in Tompkins 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.
Tompkins County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 309 feet, Tompkins County receives approximately 40.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season.
Tompkins County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
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 — Tompkins County, NY
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 27 |
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
154 days
Growing Tips for Tompkins 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 Tompkins County, NY?
Tompkins County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tompkins County, NY?
Tompkins County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Tompkins County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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