When can I plant chives outside?

Direct sow or transplant 4 weeks before your last spring frost.

How long until chives is ready to harvest?

60-90 days. Snip leaves 2 inches above soil with scissors; cut back to ground level periodically to encourage fresh growth

Lawn Guardian

When to Plant Chives

Allium schoenoprasum

herbZones 3–10beginner

Mild onion-flavored perennial with attractive purple pom-pom flowers. One of the easiest herbs to grow. Divides readily for sharing and makes an excellent edging plant.

Planting calendar

Start seeds indoors

8 weeks before your last spring frost.

Direct sow / transplant

4 weeks before your last spring frost.

Perennial in zones 3-10; divide clumps every 3-4 years; flowers are edible

Spacing & harvest

Plant spacing: 6-8 inches
Row spacing: 12-18 inches
Days to harvest: 60-90 days
Ready when: Snip leaves 2 inches above soil with scissors; cut back to ground level periodically to encourage fresh growth

Companion planting

Plant near

Romaine Lettuce — Deters aphids from lettuce
Lettuce (Butterhead) — Deters aphids
Mesclun Mix — Deters aphids from tender greens
Tomato — Repels aphids

Keep away from

Green Bean — Alliums may inhibit legume growth
Snap Pea — Alliums inhibit legume growth

Get chives planting dates for your exact zone

Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.

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Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns