When to Plant Chives in Prince of Wales-Hyder, AK
What to do in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Prince of Wales-Hyder, Alaska this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8a and timed around your local frost dates.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: chives
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.
Prince of Wales-Hyder, Alaska is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 257 feet, Prince of Wales-Hyder receives approximately 14.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 70°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chives successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Prince of Wales-Hyder Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Prince of Wales-Hyder
How your county's soil matches Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.8) overlaps with Chives's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Prince of Wales-Hyder is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chives.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.0%) — Chives will thrive.
How to Plant Chives
Succession Planting Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 03 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 0.4" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 1.7" | 0.7" | 1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 1.7" | 1" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 1.6" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 1.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 1.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.7" | 1.1" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Prince of Wales-Hyder). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chives Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chives Planting Timeline — Prince of Wales-Hyder, AK
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 |
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 | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Prince of Wales-Hyder
Growing Tips for Chives in Prince of Wales-Hyder
Direct sow Chives outdoors after April 13 in Prince of Wales-Hyder when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Prince of Wales-Hyder, AK?
Prince of Wales-Hyder is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Prince of Wales-Hyder, AK?
Prince of Wales-Hyder, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is November 1.
Your Prince of Wales-Hyder Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Prince of Wales-Hyder (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.