When to Plant Chives in Boise County, ID
Top priorities for Boise County, Idaho gardeners in May
Your Boise County, Idaho garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Harden off and plant chives
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
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.
Boise County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 8,023 feet, Boise County receives approximately 24.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season.
Boise County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.7
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 Boise County
How your county's soil matches Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.7) is more alkaline than Chives prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Boise County is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Chives.
How to Plant Chives
Succession Planting Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 29 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 1.7" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 1.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 1.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 1.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Boise County). 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 — Boise County, ID
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Oct 5 |
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
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Boise County
Growing Tips for Chives in Boise County
Direct sow Chives outdoors after May 18 in Boise County 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 Boise County, ID?
Boise County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Boise County, ID?
Boise County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Boise County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Boise County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.