When to plant Chives in Peoria County, IL
Peoria County sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Chives April 30–May 14 for the single annual harvest; the October 12 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Chives in Peoria 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.
Peoria County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 884 feet, Peoria County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season.
Peoria County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chives Planting Timeline — Peoria County, IL
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
172 days in Peoria County
Growing Tips for Peoria 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 Peoria County, IL?
Peoria County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Peoria County, IL?
Peoria County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 12.
When should I plant Chives in Peoria County, IL?
In Peoria County, IL, plant Chives after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Peoria County, IL for Chives?
Peoria 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 Peoria County's climate?
Yes — Chives grows well in Peoria County's temperate climate. Peoria County averages a 172-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 12.
Your Peoria County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Peoria 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.