When to Plant Chives in Brisbane, Subtropical Guide

Sow year round in Brisbane. That includes right now, in October.

Planting window
Plant year-round, although March to November is best. Growth may slow in midsummer heat.
Days to harvest
60 days
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade. Tolerates more shade than most herbs.
Water needs
Regular watering, especially in pots. Tolerates some drought but leaves become tough and...
Spacing
15cm apart, 25cm between rows
Soil pH
6.0-7.0

Published · Last reviewed · By GardenBuddy.au
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Chives guide is written for the Subtropical zone, which takes in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Chives

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

One of the most reliable and forgiving herbs in the Australian garden. Perennial clumping herb with mild onion-flavoured hollow leaves and edible purple pompom flowers. Grows in all 7 Australian zones with minimal fuss. Excellent border plant and companion for roses and fruit trees.

See what grows now in your own postcode

Planting Calendar for Subtropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D S/T/D

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

You can sow chives in any month in Subtropical, but the months are not equal. Summer heat brings faster bolting and heavier pest pressure, so pick a heat tolerant variety, sow little and often, and give afternoon shade from December through February.

Want a nudge when it is Chives sowing time in Brisbane?

One email a week with what is worth planting in the Subtropical zone right now, Chives included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 21.8°C (optimal range: 10–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant

That figure is read off our own weather station in South East Queensland at 14:55 yesterday, not a model.

What this month normally looks like

In October the Subtropical zone normally runs 27°C by day and 15°C overnight, with about 77 mm of rain over 7 wet days. The coldest October night on record across the zone was -0.2°C, so a late frost is not out of the question. Averages 1991 to 2026, 33 postcodes, SILO.

How to Grow Chives in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Plant year-round, although March to November is best. Growth may slow in midsummer heat.

Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with compost. Tolerates most soil types.
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Sunlight
Full sun to part shade. Tolerates more shade than most herbs.
Spacing
15cm apart, 25cm between rows
Watering
Regular watering, especially in pots. Tolerates some drought but leaves become tough and hollow when stressed. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Companion plants: Rose, Tomato, Carrot, Apple tree, Grape vine

Avoid planting near: Beans, Peas

Subtropical Growing Tips for Chives

Recommended Varieties

  • Common chives
  • Garlic chives

Key Challenges

  • Rust in humid summers
  • Heat stress

Pro Tips

  • Nearly indestructible in this zone
  • Divide clumps in autumn for vigour
  • Use flowers in salads, they're delicious

Harvesting Chives

When ready: Harvest when leaves are 15cm+ tall. Use scissors to cut to 2-3cm above soil level.

How to harvest: Cut entire clump to 2-3cm with sharp scissors. Leaves regrow in 2-3 weeks. Do not pick individual leaves. Cutting the whole clump promotes even regrowth.

Common Chives Pests in Subtropical Zones

Fungal Spots and Aphids, risk: HIGH (score: 72/100)

Organic prevention (Aphids (Onion aphid)): Good air circulation. Avoid overwatering. Healthy plants resist aphids.

View all pest alerts →

Where to next

What chives costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the subtropical zone this October: Lemongrass, Ginger, Basil and Climbing Beans.

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Common Questions About Chives

When do you plant chives in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does chives grow all year round in Brisbane?

Yes, every month is on the calendar for the Subtropical zone, though not every month is equally easy. Plant year-round, although March to November is best. Growth may slow in midsummer heat.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Subtropical zone, Brisbane is its reference city.