When to Plant Chives in Yates 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.
Yates County, New York is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 574 feet, Yates County receives approximately 44.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season.
Yates County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.5
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 — Yates County, NY
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 |
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
159 days
Growing Tips for Yates 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 Yates County, NY?
Yates County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yates County, NY?
Yates County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Yates 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.