Garlic Chives (Chinese Leeks) in Zone 5a & 5b
Allium tuberosum
Yes, garlic chives (Chinese leeks) grow in zones 5a and 5b. Start seeds indoors Mar 22–Mar 29 and plant out May 17–May 24.
When to plant garlic chives (Chinese leeks) 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 22–Mar 29 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 17–May 24 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 5–Aug 12 (~80 days after planting) |
Spacing: 4 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 garlic chives (Chinese leeks) in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 24–May 31
- BorageMay 10–May 17
- RosemaryMay 24–May 31
- DillMay 3–May 10
- CatmintMay 17–May 24
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)May 17–May 24
Garlic chives, also called Chinese leeks, are a perennial onion relative with flat, garlic-flavored leaves, easily distinguished from the round, milder leaves of the standard chives already covered on this site.
How garlic chives (Chinese leeks) fit zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Garlic chives (Chinese leeks) need about 80 days from sowing to first harvest.
Garlic Chives (Chinese Leeks) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a & 4b | Mar 27–Apr 3 | May 22–May 29 | Aug 10–Aug 17 |
| 5a & 5b (your zone) | Mar 22–Mar 29 | May 17–May 24 | Aug 5–Aug 12 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 7–Mar 14 | May 2–May 9 | Jul 21–Jul 28 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 20–Feb 27 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Jul 6–Jul 13 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jun 20–Jun 27 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 28–Jan 4 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | May 13–May 20 |
Harvest dates are about 80 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for garlic chives (Chinese leeks).
Where to buy garlic chive seeds
Botanical Interests · Burpee · High Mowing Organic Seeds (garlic chive seeds)
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing garlic chives (Chinese leeks)" 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 Garlic Chives (Chinese Leeks) in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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