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When to Plant Chives in Price County, WI

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.

Price County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 1,325 feet, Price County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall.

Price County, WI (Zone 3b) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Price County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Transplant: May 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Sep 27
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 6 🍅 Harvest: Aug 8 – Oct 10

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.3″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Chives needs ~750 GDD — county provides 1,350 GDD Excellent fit

Chives Planting Timeline โ€” Price County, WI

Chives Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 7
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 โ€“ Sep 27

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 3b

Growing Season

135 days

Growing Tips for Price 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

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chives in Price County, WI?

Price County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Price County, WI?

Price County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 29.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Price County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Price County, WI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.