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When to plant Garlic Chives in Steele County, MN

Steele County's short 162-day growing season means one Garlic Chives planting between May 5 and May 19. No fall crop in Zone 4b.

When to Plant Garlic Chives in Steele County, MN

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.

Steele County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 1,184 feet, Steele County receives approximately 37.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Garlic Chives to ensure they mature before fall.

Steele County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Steele County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Garlic Chives Planting Timeline — Steele County, MN

Garlic 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

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 4b

📆 Growing Season

162 days in Steele County

Growing Tips for Steele 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 Steele County, MN?

Steele County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Garlic Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Steele County, MN?

Steele County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 7.

When should I plant Garlic Chives in Steele County, MN?

In Steele County, MN, plant Garlic Chives after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Steele County, MN for Garlic Chives?

Steele County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Garlic Chives grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Garlic Chives grow in Steele County's climate?

Yes — Garlic Chives grows well in Steele County's temperate climate. Steele County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 7.

🌱

Your Steele County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Steele County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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