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When to Plant Garlic Chives in Valdez-Cordova, AK

Garlic chives are a perennial herb with flat leaves that have a mild garlic flavor. They produce attractive white flower clusters and are used in Asian cooking.

Valdez-Cordova, Alaska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.

At an elevation of 2,888 feet, Valdez-Cordova receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 66ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic Chives to ensure they mature before fall.

Valdez-Cordova, AK (Zone 5b) Short season
146 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
146 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

Valdez-Cordova Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (0 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Sep 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 11 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 22

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
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Garlic Chives needs ~0 GDD — county provides 0 GDD May not mature

Garlic Chives Planting Timeline โ€” Valdez-Cordova, AK

Garlic Chives Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2
Harvest July 21 Jul 21 โ€“ Sep 29

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

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

146 days

Growing Tips for Valdez-Cordova

Start from seed or divisions. Cut flower stalks before seeds set to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Both leaves and flower buds are edible and flavorful.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Garlic Chives in Valdez-Cordova, AK?

Valdez-Cordova is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Garlic Chives planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Valdez-Cordova, AK?

Valdez-Cordova, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 5.

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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 Valdez-Cordova, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.