When to Plant Chives in USDA Zone 4a
What to do in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Set out chives seedlings
Your last frost (May 13) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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.
In Zone 4a, the average last spring frost is around May 6 and the first fall frost is around September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
Chives Planting Timeline — Zone 4a
Where Is USDA Zone 4a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 4a. Click any state to see the Chives planting schedule for that location.
Chives Planting Calendar — Zone 4a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 4a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 4a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
145 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Chives in Zone
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Chives in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~145 days). Start Chives indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
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- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
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Saving Chives Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Related Plants
Chives in Other Zones
Chives by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Zone 4a?
In Zone 4a, plan your Chives planting around the average last frost date of May 6. Transplant seedlings around May 13.
Can Chives grow in Zone 4a?
Yes, Chives can grow well in Zone 4a, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Zone 4a has a growing season of approximately 145 days, which is sufficient for Chives (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Chives in Zone 4a?
In Zone 4a, expect to harvest Chives from July 15 – September 23. Chives takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 4a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 4a is around May 6, and the first fall frost is around September 28. This gives a growing season of approximately 145 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Chives?
Good companion plants for Chives include Carrots, Tomatoes, Lettuce. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.