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When to plant chives in South Dakota

South Dakota spans USDA zones 4a–5b, so the right time to plant chives shifts by weeks across the state. The window to transplant seedlings outdoors runs from about April 12 in Sioux Falls to April 28 in Spearfish — below are local dates for 13 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.

In Sioux Fallsthe chives transplant out window (April 12–April 26) has passed for this year.
CityZoneLast frostFirst frostTransplant out
Sioux Falls5aApril 26October 13April 12 – April 26
Rapid City5bMay 3October 8April 19 – May 3
Aberdeen4aMay 8September 29April 24 – May 8
Brookings4bMay 6October 1April 22 – May 6
Watertown4bMay 7September 30April 23 – May 7
Mitchell5aMay 2October 6April 18 – May 2
Yankton5aApril 27October 11April 13 – April 27
Huron4bMay 6October 2April 22 – May 6

Chives in South Dakota: FAQ

When can I plant chives in South Dakota?

Across South Dakota, the time to transplant chives spans roughly April 12 in Sioux Falls to April 28 in Spearfish, each following that city's local frost dates.

Does the chives planting date vary across South Dakota?

Yes. South Dakota publishes 13 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 South Dakota cities →South Dakota planting calendar →
When to Plant Chives in South Dakota — Frost-Based Dates by City — BlissGarden