When to plant Chives in Itasca County County,
Itasca County County's 144-day season only supports one Chives planting per year. Sow between May 17 and May 31 for the best chance at full maturity before October 1.
When to Plant Chives in Itasca County, MN
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.
Itasca County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 506 feet, Itasca County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Itasca County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Itasca County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chives Planting Timeline — Itasca County, MN
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 27 |
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 4a
📆 Growing Season
144 days in Itasca County
Growing Tips for Itasca 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 Itasca County, MN?
Itasca County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Itasca County, MN?
Itasca County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 1.
When should I plant Chives in Itasca County County, ?
In Itasca County County, , plant Chives after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Itasca County County, for Chives?
Itasca County County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Chives grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chives grow in Itasca County County's climate?
Yes — Chives grows well in Itasca County County's temperate climate. Itasca County County averages a 144-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 1.
Your Itasca County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Itasca County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.