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When to plant Chives in Saline County, MO

In Saline County, Chives is a spring-only crop. Plant April 20–May 4 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Chives in Saline 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.

Saline County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 1,385 feet, Saline County receives approximately 33.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chives during the growing season.

Saline County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Saline County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chives Planting Timeline — Saline County, MO

Chives Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 – Aug 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
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

194 days in Saline County

Growing Tips for Saline 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 Saline County, MO?

Saline County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Saline County, MO?

Saline County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Chives in Saline County, MO?

In Saline County, MO, plant Chives after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Saline County, MO for Chives?

Saline 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 Saline County's climate?

Yes — Chives grows well in Saline County's temperate climate. Saline County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Saline County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Saline 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 Saline County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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