When to Plant Garlic Chives in Montrose County, CO
Montrose County, Colorado gardeners: here's your May plan
May is a pivotal month for Montrose County, Colorado gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
June prep starts now
- Transplants going out: 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.
Montrose County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.
At an elevation of 6,494 feet, Montrose County receives approximately 18.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Garlic Chives during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Garlic Chives successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Montrose County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.9
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 Montrose County
How your county's soil matches Garlic Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.9) overlaps with Garlic Chives's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Montrose County is excellent for Garlic Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Garlic Chives.
How to Plant Garlic Chives
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Montrose County). 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 — Montrose County, CO
Garlic Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 20 | Jun 20 – Jul 4 |
| Harvest | August 22 | Aug 22 – Oct 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
91 days in Montrose County
Growing Tips for Garlic Chives in Montrose County
Direct sow Garlic Chives outdoors after June 13 in Montrose County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 91.0-day growing season in Montrose County is tight for Garlic Chives (60.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Garlic Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Montrose County receives only 18" of rain annually. Garlic Chives needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Montrose County, CO?
Montrose County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Garlic Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Montrose County, CO?
Montrose County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 12.
Your Montrose County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Montrose County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.