Blog

When to plant Garlic Chives in Middlesex County, MA

Middlesex County sits in cold Zone 6b. Plant Garlic Chives May 1–May 15 for the single annual harvest; the October 17 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Garlic Chives in Middlesex County, MA

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.

Middlesex County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 117 feet, Middlesex County receives approximately 43.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Garlic Chives during the growing season.

Middlesex County, MA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Middlesex County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Garlic Chives Planting Timeline — Middlesex County, MA

Garlic Chives Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 – May 15
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Sep 11

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

176 days in Middlesex County

Growing Tips for Middlesex County

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

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Garlic Chives in Middlesex County, MA?

Middlesex County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Garlic Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Middlesex County, MA?

Middlesex County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Garlic Chives in Middlesex County, MA?

In Middlesex County, MA, plant Garlic Chives after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Middlesex County, MA for Garlic Chives?

Middlesex County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Garlic Chives grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Garlic Chives grow in Middlesex County's climate?

Yes — Garlic Chives grows well in Middlesex County's temperate climate. Middlesex County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Middlesex County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Middlesex County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Middlesex County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.