When to Plant Chives in Pennsylvania

Growing Chives in Pennsylvania: Complete Guide

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is a warm-season crop that needs a head start indoors before Pennsylvania's last frost. Most Pennsylvania gardeners begin seeds indoors around Sunday, February 8, 2026 and move transplants outside around Sunday, March 22, 2026, after the risk of frost has passed.

Because Pennsylvania stretches across 7 USDA hardiness zones (5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight 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 Pennsylvania'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. In the Northeast, cool summers and moderate humidity can slow warm-season crops, so choose a sheltered, south-facing spot to maximise 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 Pennsylvania.