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When to Plant Chives in Rhode Island

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.

Rhode Island spans USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a (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.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Chives Planting Calendar for Rhode Island

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
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Aug 12

Growing Tips for Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island?

Planting dates for Chives in Rhode Island depend on your USDA zone. Rhode Island spans zones 6a, 6b, 7a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Rhode Island for planting?

Rhode Island contains USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a. 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.