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When to plant chives in Iowa

Iowa spans USDA zones 5a–6a, so the right time to plant chives shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about March 29 in Fort Madison to April 17 in Spencer — below are local dates for 42 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.

In Des Moinesthe chives transplant out window (April 4–April 18) has passed for this year.
CityZoneLast frostFirst frostTransplant out
Des Moines5bApril 18October 20April 4 – April 18
Cedar Rapids5bApril 27October 11April 13 – April 27
Davenport5bApril 19October 22April 5 – April 19
Sioux City5aApril 29October 7April 15 – April 29
Iowa City5bApril 21October 18April 7 – April 21
Ankeny5bApril 23October 15April 9 – April 23
West Des Moines5bApril 18October 20April 4 – April 18
Ames5bApril 26October 8April 12 – April 26

Chives in Iowa: FAQ

When can I plant chives in Iowa?

Across Iowa, the time to transplant chives spans roughly March 29 in Fort Madison to April 17 in Spencer, each following that city's local frost dates.

Does the chives planting date vary across Iowa?

Yes. Iowa publishes 42 cities with their own frost dates, so the right chives planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.

Planting reminders

Never miss a window in your area

An email when it’s time to start seeds, transplant, and sow — timed to your frost dates. Double opt-in, one-click unsubscribe, no spam.

Chives planting guide →All Iowa cities →Iowa planting calendar →
When to Plant Chives in Iowa — Frost-Based Dates by City — BlissGarden