When to Plant Chives in Multnomah County, OR
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.
Multnomah County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 357 feet, Multnomah County receives approximately 35.9 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.
Multnomah County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Multnomah County
How your county's soil matches Chives's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.3) overlaps with Chives's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Multnomah County is excellent for Chives — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chives.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Chives will thrive.
How to Plant Chives
Succession Planting Chives
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Chives
Chives needs approximately 0.4 inches of water per week (1.7" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chives Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.7" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.7" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.7" | 1.3" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 1.7" | 0.6" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 1.7" | 0.7" | 1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 1.7" | 1.6" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 1.7" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Multnomah County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chives Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chives Planting Timeline — Multnomah County, OR
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Sep 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.4"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Multnomah County
Growing Tips for Chives in Multnomah County
Direct sow Chives outdoors after April 14 in Multnomah County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chives in this region include onion maggots and thrips. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Multnomah County, OR?
Multnomah County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Multnomah County, OR?
Multnomah County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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