When to Plant Chives in Hamilton County, TN
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.
Hamilton County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 3,918 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 51.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chives root diseases.
Hamilton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.9
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 — Hamilton County, TN
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Aug 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
218 days
Growing Tips for Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, TN?
Hamilton County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hamilton County, TN?
Hamilton County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hamilton County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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