When to plant Chives in Benton County, IA
In Benton County, Chives is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 5–May 19 for an 60–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 9 first frost.
When to Plant Chives in Benton County, IA
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.
Benton County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,230 feet, Benton County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chives Planting Timeline — Benton County, IA
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Benton 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 Benton County, IA?
Benton County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, IA?
Benton County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Chives in Benton County, IA?
In Benton County, IA, plant Chives after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Benton County, IA for Chives?
Benton County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Chives grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chives grow in Benton County's climate?
Yes — Chives grows well in Benton County's temperate climate. Benton County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 9.
Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.