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When to Plant Chives in Deaf Smith County, TX

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.

Deaf Smith County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 4,473 feet, Deaf Smith County receives approximately 49 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Chives may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chives will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Deaf Smith County, TX (Zone 7a) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Deaf Smith County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.7-8.4

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 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 8.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Deaf Smith County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chives Planting Timeline — Deaf Smith County, TX

Chives Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 – May 7
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 – Sep 3

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 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 7a

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Deaf Smith County

Growing Tips for Deaf Smith 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 Deaf Smith County, TX?

Deaf Smith County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Deaf Smith County, TX?

Deaf Smith County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.

🌱

Your Deaf Smith County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Deaf Smith County (Zone 7a). 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 Deaf Smith County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.