When to Plant Garlic Chives in USDA Zone 8a
May to-do list for Zone 8a
Your garden in Zone 8a is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: 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 8a, the average last spring frost is around March 8 and the first fall frost is around November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.
Garlic Chives Planting Timeline — Zone 8a
Where Is USDA Zone 8a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 8a. Click any state to see the Garlic Chives planting schedule for that location.
Garlic Chives Planting Calendar — Zone 8a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 8a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 8a 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
255 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 (~255 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
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Saving Garlic Chives Seeds
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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
- 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 8a?
In Zone 8a, plan your Garlic Chives planting around the average last frost date of March 8. Transplant seedlings around March 15.
Can Garlic Chives grow in Zone 8a?
Yes, Garlic Chives can grow well in Zone 8a, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Zone 8a has a growing season of approximately 255 days, which is sufficient for Garlic Chives (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Garlic Chives in Zone 8a?
In Zone 8a, expect to harvest Garlic Chives from May 17 – July 26. Garlic Chives takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 8a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 8a is around March 8, and the first fall frost is around November 18. This gives a growing season of approximately 255 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.