When to plant Chives in Ford County, IL
In Ford County, Chives is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 25–May 9 for an 60–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 18 first frost.
When to Plant Chives in Ford County, IL
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.
Ford County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 855 feet, Ford County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Ford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chives Planting Timeline — Ford County, IL
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Sep 5 |
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 | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Ford County
Growing Tips for Ford 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 Ford County, IL?
Ford County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ford County, IL?
Ford County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Chives in Ford County, IL?
In Ford County, IL, plant Chives after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ford County, IL for Chives?
Ford County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chives grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chives grow in Ford County's climate?
Yes — Chives grows well in Ford County's temperate climate. Ford County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 18.
Your Ford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ford County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.