Chives in Zone 3a & 3b
Allium schoenoprasum
Yes, chives grow in zones 3a and 3b. Start seeds indoors Apr 4–Apr 11 and plant out May 16–May 23.
When to plant chives in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Either works.
| Start indoors | Apr 4–Apr 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 16–May 23 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 15–Jul 22 (~60 days after planting) |
Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 3b
These go outside within two weeks of chives in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- DillMay 23–May 30
- BorageMay 30–Jun 6
- ChervilMay 16–May 23
- HorehoundMay 16–May 23
- ParsleyMay 16–May 23
- TansyMay 16–May 23
Chives are the easiest allium in the garden, a perennial clump that comes back every spring, tolerates cold well, and asks for almost nothing once it's established.
How chives fit zone 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Chives need about 60 days from sowing to first harvest.
Chives planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b (your zone) | Apr 4–Apr 11 | May 16–May 23 | Jul 15–Jul 22 |
| 4a & 4b | Mar 20–Mar 27 | May 1–May 8 | Jun 30–Jul 7 |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 15–Mar 22 | Apr 26–May 3 | Jun 25–Jul 2 |
| 6a & 6b | Feb 28–Mar 7 | Apr 11–Apr 18 | Jun 10–Jun 17 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 13–Feb 20 | Mar 27–Apr 3 | May 26–Jun 2 |
| 8a & 8b | Jan 28–Feb 4 | Mar 11–Mar 18 | May 10–May 17 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 21–Dec 28 | Feb 1–Feb 8 | Apr 2–Apr 9 |
| 10a & 10bFall window | Aug–Feb | Oct–Apr | ~60 days after transplanting |
Harvest dates are about 60 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
- Carrot: Same allium/carrot pest-masking effect measured for onion and carrot (Uvah & Coaker 1984): a real, peer-reviewed field study, not folklore.
Where to buy chive seeds
Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market · Burpee · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's chive seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing chives" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Chives in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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