When to Plant Garlic Chives in Wrangell City and Borough, AK
What to do in May
Here's what deserves your attention in Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 1,533 feet, Wrangell City and Borough receives approximately 35.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 59°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Wrangell City and Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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 Wrangell City and Borough
How your county's soil matches Garlic Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.5) is more acidic than Garlic Chives prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wrangell City and Borough is excellent for Garlic Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Garlic Chives prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.1%) — Garlic Chives will thrive.
How to Plant Garlic Chives
Succession Planting Garlic Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Garlic Chives
Garlic Chives needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Garlic Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wrangell City and Borough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic 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.
Garlic Chives Planting Timeline — Wrangell City and Borough, AK
Garlic Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 |
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 | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Wrangell City and Borough
Growing Tips for Garlic Chives in Wrangell City and Borough
Direct sow Garlic Chives outdoors after April 23 in Wrangell City and Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Garlic 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. 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Garlic Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic Chives in Wrangell City and Borough, AK?
Wrangell City and Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Garlic Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wrangell City and Borough, AK?
Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Wrangell City and Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wrangell City and Borough (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.