When to Plant and Harvest Chives
Mild onion-flavored herb with edible flowers, among the easiest herbs to grow
Winter survival: Will it survive winter? Usually yes outdoors in typical perennial-herb zones with light mulch and good drainage. Open the zone guide for the full table, and set your zone in the live app for a zone-specific line.
Pets: Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA says cats are more susceptible to onion family plants, but dogs are also at risk depending on the amount eaten. Fence or raise the bed. ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Chives
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Chives in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 80F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 10 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 15 | August 1 to August 30 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 10 | August 10 to September 15 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 30 | August 15 to September 30 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 6 inches apart, 10 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 55F to 80F
- Sunlight: 4+ hours
- Watering: Water 2-3 times per week; tolerates brief dry spells
- Days to harvest: 60
Fertilization
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: Light feeding every 6-8 weeks
- Compost organic: 1 inch worked into soil before planting
Companion Plants
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Roses
- Brassicas
Avoid Planting Near
- Beans
- Peas
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Leaves are 6 inches or taller
- Cut to 2 inches above soil; regrows quickly
- Harvest regularly to prevent flowering if leaves preferred
- Purple flowers are also edible
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Chives?
Chives planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Chives?
The best time of year to plant Chives is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 55F to 80F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Chives?
Plant Chives in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 80F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 10 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Chives?
Plant Chives about 6 inches apart, with rows around 10 inches apart.
What grows well with Chives?
Chives is commonly paired with Carrots, Tomatoes, Roses, Brassicas.
How long does Chives take to grow?
Chives is typically ready to harvest in about 60 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Chives?
Harvest Chives when leaves are 6 inches or taller. Cut to 2 inches above soil; regrows quickly Harvest regularly to prevent flowering if leaves preferred