Chives in Zone 5a & 5b
Allium schoenoprasum
Yes, chives grow in zones 5a and 5b. Start seeds indoors Mar 15–Mar 22 and plant out Apr 26–May 3.
When to plant chives in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 | Mar 15–Mar 22 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 26–May 3 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 25–Jul 2 (~60 days after planting) |
Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of chives in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- DillMay 3–May 10
- BorageMay 10–May 17
- ChervilApr 26–May 3
- HorehoundApr 26–May 3
- Milk ThistleApr 26–May 3
- ParsleyApr 26–May 3
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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Chives need about 60 days from sowing to first harvest.
Chives planting windows in every zone
Zone 5b 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 | 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 (your zone) | 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 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Chives in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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