When to plant Chives in Douglas County, CO
Douglas County's 121-day season only supports one Chives planting per year. Sow between May 29 and June 12 for the best chance at full maturity before September 20.
When to Plant Chives in Douglas County, CO
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.
Douglas County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 121 days.
At an elevation of 7,421 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chives successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chives Planting Timeline — Douglas County, CO
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 29 | May 29 – Jun 12 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Oct 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
121 days in Douglas County
Growing Tips for Douglas County
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 Douglas County, CO?
Douglas County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, CO?
Douglas County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 20.
When should I plant Chives in Douglas County, CO?
In Douglas County, CO, plant Chives after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Douglas County, CO for Chives?
Douglas County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Chives grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chives grow in Douglas County's climate?
Yes — Chives grows well in Douglas County's temperate climate. Douglas County averages a 121-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 20.
Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.