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When to Plant Chives in Newport News, Virginia (23607)

Location

Newport News, Virginia

ZIP Code

23607

USDA Zone

8b

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

Pro tip: Start Chives seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 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 Newport News?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, January 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 Newport News, Virginia? +

In Newport News (Zone 8b), start Chives seeds indoors around Sunday, January 18, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 1, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Newport News, Virginia? +

The average last spring frost date for Newport News, Virginia (ZIP 23607) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Chives take to grow? +

Chives typically matures in about 60 days from transplanting. In Newport News, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, March 1, 2026 plus 60 days.

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

Chives should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Newport News, that means starting around Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Other Plants for Newport News

Growing Chives in Zone 8b

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a popular garden vegetable. In Newport News, Virginia, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, January 18, 2026.

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