Home › Chives › Grow in Illinois

Can You Grow Chives in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Chives grow easily here as a perennial — plant once and harvest for years.

Plant zones

3a–9b

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

Perennial

About Chives

Chives are one of the hardiest and most low-maintenance herbs — plant once and harvest for years.

Plant in any reasonable soil. Cut leaves to 5cm from the base for regrowth. Divide clumps every few years. The purple flowers are edible and attract pollinators. Note: toxic to dogs and cats.

Full chives growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.

See what grows well in Illinois →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Chives in Illinois?

Chives grow easily here as a perennial — plant once and harvest for years.

What zone is Illinois?

Illinois spans USDA Zone 5b (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a).

When do you plant Chiveses in Illinois?

See the planting guide for Chives — timing depends on your exact frost date.