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🌱 Growing Chives in Zone 11a

Zone 11a has a year-round growing season. Chives can be planted almost any time with proper planning. Last frost: Jan 28. First frost: Dec 22.

Planting Calendar

Indoor

Outdoor

Harvest

Dec 3Dec 22

Season: Jan 28 – Dec 22 (328 days)

Zone11a

Last FrostJan 28

First FrostDec 22

Season Length328 days

Days to Harvest60

SunFull Sun

Frost ToleranceHeavy

Spacing16/sqft (3" apart)

When to Plant Chives in Zone 11a

Start Seeds Indoors: Dec 3

Start Chives seeds indoors around Dec 3 (8 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 65°F. Germinates in 7–14 days.

Transplant Outdoors: Jan 14

Transplant Chives seedlings outdoors after Jan 14. Wait until soil temperature reaches 45°F. Space plants at 16/sqft (3" apart). Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.

Harvest: Mar 15

First harvest approximately Mar 15 (~60 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Dec 22). Chives can overwinter in mild climates for continued harvest.

Companion Planting

✅ Carrots✅ Tomatoes✅ Grapes✅ Roses

❌ Beans❌ Peas

Chives in Other Zones

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13b

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chives in Zone 11a?

Start Chives seeds indoors around Dec 3. Transplant outdoors after Jan 14. Expect first harvest around Mar 15.

What is the last frost date for Zone 11a?

The average last spring frost date for Zone 11a is Jan 28. The first fall frost averages Dec 22, giving a 328-day growing season.

Can I grow Chives in Zone 11a?

Yes. Chives needs 60 days to harvest. Zone 11a has a 328-day growing season, which is sufficient.

What is the best month to plant Chives in Zone 11a?

The best time to start Chives in Zone 11a is Dec. Begin seeds indoors around Dec 3, then transplant outdoors after the last frost date of Jan 28.

What companion plants grow well with Chives?

Good companion plants for Chives include Carrots, Tomatoes, Grapes, Roses. Avoid planting Chives near Beans, Peas.

How long does Chives take to harvest?

Chives takes approximately 60 days from planting to harvest. In Zone 11a, expect your first harvest around Mar 15.

Plan Your Chives Garden

Track Chives from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

Start Free Chives Growing Guide