When to Plant Garlic Chives in USDA Zone 5b
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 5b, the average last spring frost is around April 18 and the first fall frost is around October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
Garlic Chives Planting Timeline — Zone 5b
Where Is USDA Zone 5b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 5b. Click any state to see the Garlic Chives planting schedule for that location.
Garlic Chives Planting Calendar — Zone 5b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 5b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 5b 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
-15°F to -10°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
178 days (Zone 5b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Zone 5b
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
Level Up Your Garden
Saving Garlic 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
Garlic Chives in Other Zones
Garlic Chives by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic Chives in Zone 5b?
In Zone 5b, plan your Garlic Chives planting around the average last frost date of April 18. Transplant seedlings around April 25.
Can Garlic Chives grow in Zone 5b?
Yes, Garlic Chives can grow well in Zone 5b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Zone 5b has a growing season of approximately 178 days, which is sufficient for Garlic Chives (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Garlic Chives in Zone 5b?
In Zone 5b, expect to harvest Garlic Chives from June 27 – September 5. Garlic Chives takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 5b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 5b is around April 18, and the first fall frost is around October 13. This gives a growing season of approximately 178 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.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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