When to Plant Chives in Zone 4

Allium schoenoprasum

Last updated: Apr 29, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension
Action Plan

Plant Chives in Zone 4

  • Start indoors: Apr 19
  • Transplant: May 17 — after last frost (May 10)
  • First harvest: Jul 26 (60–90 days after planting)
⚠️ Don't plant before last frost (May 10) — cold snaps kill young transplants.
Last frost
May 10
First frost
Sep 25
Growing season
138 days
Quick Facts
Sunlight ☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs 💧💧 Moderate
Spacing 8 inches apart
Planting Depth 0.25 inch
Min Soil Temp 45°F
Germination 7–14 days
Days to Maturity 60–90 days
Frost Tolerance Heavy frost tolerance
Soil pH 6.0–7.0
Difficulty Easy
What you'll need — Zone 4
🛒 Chives — Seeds & Supplies
  • 🌱 Chive Seeds
  • 🌱 Indoor Herb Pot Set
  • 🌱 Perennial Herb Garden Planner

Search for these at your local garden center or nursery.

Growing Tips

  • Chives are among the easiest herbs to grow — nearly indestructible perennials.
  • Cut to 2 inches above the ground and they regrow within weeks.
  • The purple flowers are edible and look beautiful in salads.
  • Divide clumps every 3 years to keep them vigorous.
  • Pot up a clump in fall and bring indoors for fresh chives all winter.

Common Mistakes

  • Planting near beans or peas — chives (alliums) inhibit their growth.
  • Not dividing — large clumps become overcrowded and produce less.
  • Letting all flowers go to seed — deadhead most to prevent excessive self-seeding.
  • Not overwintering a pot indoors — easy fresh herbs through winter.

Companion Planting

Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.

✓ Good Companions

Carrot Tomato

✗ Avoid Nearby

Beans Peas

Chives Schedule — All Zones

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplant Direct SowHarvest StartHarvest End
Zone 3 Apr 24 May 22 May 22 Jul 31 Sep 12
Zone 4 Apr 19 May 17 May 17 Jul 26 Sep 22
Zone 5 Apr 9 May 7 May 7 Jul 16 Sep 14
Zone 6 Mar 25 Apr 22 Apr 22 Jul 1 Aug 30
Zone 7 Mar 15 Apr 12 Apr 12 Jun 21 Aug 20
Zone 8 Feb 27 Mar 27 Mar 27 Jun 5 Aug 4
Zone 9 Feb 7 Mar 7 Mar 7 May 16 Jul 15
Zone 10 Jan 20 Feb 17 Feb 17 Apr 28 Jun 27

Other Zones for Chives

Zone 3 · Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9 · Zone 10

📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.