When to Plant Chives in Arkansas

Growing Chives in Arkansas: Complete Guide

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Arkansas's last frost. Most Arkansas gardeners begin seeds indoors around Sunday, January 18, 2026 and move transplants outside around Sunday, March 1, 2026, after the risk of frost has passed.

Because Arkansas stretches across 4 USDA hardiness zones (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b), planting windows can shift by as much as two to four weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.

With 60 days to maturity, Chives needs the indoor head start that Arkansas's growing season requires. Starting indoors ensures you have strong transplants ready the moment outdoor conditions are right.

Chives requires full sun to partial shade and regular moisture. Southeastern summers are hot and humid; mulch heavily to retain moisture and shade roots during peak heat.

For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Arkansas.