When to plant Chives in Ingham County, MI
Plant Chives in Ingham County during the brief May 9–May 23 window. With 164 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 13.
When to Plant Chives in Ingham County, MI
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.
Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 554 feet, Ingham County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Ingham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chives Planting Timeline — Ingham County, MI
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 19 |
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 6a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Ingham County
Growing Tips for Ingham 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 Ingham County, MI?
Ingham County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ingham County, MI?
Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Chives in Ingham County, MI?
In Ingham County, MI, plant Chives after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ingham County, MI for Chives?
Ingham 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 Ingham County's climate?
Yes — Chives grows well in Ingham County's temperate climate. Ingham County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 13.
Your Ingham County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ingham 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.