When to plant Chives in Perry County County,
Perry County County's short 194-day growing season means one Chives planting between April 16 and April 30. No fall crop in Zone 7a.
When to Plant Chives in Perry County, IL
Your June game plan for Perry County, Illinois
Welcome to June in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Bring in the chives
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: chives
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.
Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 806 feet, Perry County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season.
Perry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Chives 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 Perry County
How your county's soil matches Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Chives's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Perry County is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Chives will thrive.
How to Plant Chives
Succession Planting Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
Chives Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.7" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.7" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.7" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.7" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Perry 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 — Perry County, IL
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
194 days in Perry County
Growing Tips for Chives in Perry County
Direct sow Chives outdoors after April 09 in Perry 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 Perry County, IL?
Perry County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Perry County, IL?
Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Chives in Perry County County, ?
In Perry County County, , plant Chives after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Perry County County, for Chives?
Perry County County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Chives grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chives grow in Perry County County's climate?
Yes — Chives grows well in Perry County County's temperate climate. Perry County County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.
Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Perry 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.