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When to Plant Chives in Franconia, Pennsylvania (18924)

Location

Franconia, Pennsylvania

ZIP Code

18924

USDA Zone

6b

Last Frost

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Based on last frost Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · Zone 6b

Pro tip: Start Chives seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 1, 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 Franconia?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Wednesday, February 18, 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 Franconia, Pennsylvania? +

In Franconia (Zone 6b), start Chives seeds indoors around Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Franconia, Pennsylvania? +

The average last spring frost date for Franconia, Pennsylvania (ZIP 18924) is around Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6b.

How long does Chives take to grow? +

Chives typically matures in about 60 days from transplanting. In Franconia, that means you can expect harvest around Wednesday, April 1, 2026 plus 60 days.

Should I start Chives indoors or direct sow in Pennsylvania? +

Chives should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Franconia, that means starting around Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Other Plants for Franconia

Growing Chives in Zone 6b

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Franconia, Pennsylvania, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, you should start seeds indoors around Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Chives seedlings outdoors around Wednesday, April 1, 2026, about -2 weeks after your last frost date.