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When to Plant Chives in Wisconsin

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.

Wisconsin spans USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b (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.

Chives Planting Calendar for Wisconsin

Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 – May 31
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 – Sep 20
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 – May 27
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 – Sep 23
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Sep 18
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Sep 12
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Sep 5

Growing Tips for Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin?

Planting dates for Chives in Wisconsin depend on your USDA zone. Wisconsin spans zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Wisconsin for planting?

Wisconsin contains USDA hardiness zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. 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.