When to Plant Garlic Chives in USDA Zone 4a
What to do in April
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Zone 4a this April and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
May will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: garlic chives
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.
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.
Garlic 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 Garlic Chives planting schedule for that location.
Garlic 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
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
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 Garlic Chives in Zone
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Garlic Chives in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~145 days). Start Garlic Chives indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
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Saving Garlic Chives Seeds
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Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
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Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Related Plants
Garlic Chives in Other Zones
Garlic 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 Garlic Chives in Zone 4a?
In Zone 4a, plan your Garlic Chives planting around the average last frost date of May 6. Transplant seedlings around May 13.
Can Garlic Chives grow in Zone 4a?
Yes, Garlic 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 Garlic Chives (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Garlic Chives in Zone 4a?
In Zone 4a, expect to harvest Garlic Chives from July 15 – September 23. Garlic 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 Garlic Chives?
Good companion plants for Garlic Chives include Carrots, Tomatoes, Peppers. 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.