When to Plant Chives in Skamania County, WA
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.
Skamania County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 16 feet, Skamania County receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Skamania County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Chives Planting Timeline — Skamania County, WA
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
184 days
Growing Tips for Skamania 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 Skamania County, WA?
Skamania County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Skamania County, WA?
Skamania County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Skamania County gardeners in Zone 7a 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.