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When to plant Chives in Cole County, MO

In Cole County, Chives is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 14–April 28 for an 60–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 28 first frost.

When to Plant Chives in Cole County, MO

Chives

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.

Cole County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.

At an elevation of 614 feet, Cole County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season.

Cole County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
204 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
204 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Cole County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chives Planting Timeline — Cole County, MO

Chives Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 – Aug 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

204 days in Cole County

Growing Tips for Cole 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

  • Peas
  • Green Beans

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chives in Cole County, MO?

Cole County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cole County, MO?

Cole County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 28.

When should I plant Chives in Cole County, MO?

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

What growing zone is Cole County, MO for Chives?

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

Can Chives grow in Cole County's climate?

Yes — Chives grows well in Cole County's temperate climate. Cole County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 28.

🌱

Your Cole County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cole 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.

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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 Cole County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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