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When to Plant Chives in Comstock, New York (12821)

Location

Comstock, New York

ZIP Code

12821

USDA Zone

5a

Last Frost

Sunday, May 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, May 10, 2026 · Zone 5a

Pro tip: Start Chives seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, April 26, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Allium schoenoprasum
Days to Maturity 60 days
Mature Height 12-18"
Spread 12"
Type Clumping
Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Regular

↔️

Spacing

6" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Chives in Comstock?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, March 15, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CarrotTomatoRoseApple

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

BeanPea
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Chives

See which plants help Chives thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let flower heads dry completely on the stalk — seed pods will turn black.

Processing

Shake dried seed heads into an envelope; seeds fall out easily.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Chives self-sow aggressively — deadhead most flowers to prevent unwanted spreading in the garden.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 4 per sq ft of Chives. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chives in Comstock, New York? +

In Comstock (Zone 5a), start Chives seeds indoors around Sunday, March 15, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, April 26, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Comstock, New York? +

The average last spring frost date for Comstock, New York (ZIP 12821) is around Sunday, May 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5a.

How long does Chives take to grow? +

Chives typically matures in about 60 days from transplanting. In Comstock, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, April 26, 2026 plus 60 days.

Should I start Chives indoors or direct sow in New York? +

Chives should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Comstock, that means starting around Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Other Plants for Comstock

Growing Chives in Zone 5a

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Comstock, New York, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, May 10, 2026. Plan to transplant your Chives seedlings outdoors around Sunday, April 26, 2026, about -2 weeks after your last frost date.