When to Plant Chives in Refugio County, TX
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.
Refugio County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 293 days.
At an elevation of 1,000 feet, Refugio County receives approximately 68.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Chives may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chives root diseases.
Refugio County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Refugio County
How your county's soil matches Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.2) overlaps with Chives's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Refugio County is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Chives.
How to Plant Chives
Succession Planting Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 07 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.7" | 2.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.7" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.7" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 11.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.7" | 1.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Refugio County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chives Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chives Planting Timeline — Refugio County, TX
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Harvest | April 27 | Apr 27 – Jul 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
293 days in Refugio County
Growing Tips for Chives in Refugio County
Direct sow Chives outdoors after February 16 in Refugio County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in Refugio County, provide afternoon shade for Chives and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
With 68" of annual rainfall in Refugio County, ensure good drainage for Chives — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Refugio County, TX?
Refugio County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Refugio County, TX?
Refugio County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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