When to plant Garlic Chives in Bristol County County,
Bristol County County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Garlic Chives May 3–May 17 for the single annual harvest; the October 17 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Garlic Chives in Bristol County, MA
This month in Bristol County, Massachusetts
June is a pivotal month for Bristol County, Massachusetts gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: garlic chives
Garlic chives are a perennial herb with flat leaves that have a mild garlic flavor. They produce attractive white flower clusters and are used in Asian cooking.
Bristol County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 833 feet, Bristol County receives approximately 47.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Garlic Chives during the growing season.
Bristol County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Garlic 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 Bristol County
How your county's soil matches Garlic Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.7) is more acidic than Garlic Chives prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bristol County is excellent for Garlic Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). Annual compost additions will help Garlic Chives.
How to Plant Garlic Chives
Succession Planting Garlic Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.
Garlic Chives Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Garlic Chives
Garlic Chives needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Garlic Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bristol County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Garlic 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.
Garlic Chives Planting Timeline — Bristol County, MA
Garlic Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Sep 13 |
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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Bristol County
Growing Tips for Garlic Chives in Bristol County
Direct sow Garlic Chives outdoors after April 26 in Bristol County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Garlic 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. Cut flower stalks before seeds set to prevent aggressive self-seeding. Both leaves and flower buds are edible and flavorful.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Garlic Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Garlic Chives in Bristol County, MA?
Bristol County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Garlic Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bristol County, MA?
Bristol County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Garlic Chives in Bristol County County, ?
In Bristol County County, , plant Garlic Chives after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bristol County County, for Garlic Chives?
Bristol County County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Garlic Chives grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Garlic Chives grow in Bristol County County's climate?
Yes — Garlic Chives grows well in Bristol County County's temperate climate. Bristol County County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 17.
Your Bristol County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bristol 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.