When to Plant Chives in Sawyer 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.
Sawyer County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 815 feet, Sawyer County receives approximately 36.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Sawyer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.1
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chives Planting Timeline — Sawyer County, WI
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Sep 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 3b
Growing Season
131 days
Growing Tips for Sawyer 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 Sawyer County, WI?
Sawyer County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sawyer County, WI?
Sawyer County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sawyer County gardeners in Zone 3b 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.