When to Plant Hardy Kiwi in New Castle County, DE
Hardy kiwi produces grape-sized, smooth-skinned fruits eaten whole without peeling. Unlike fuzzy kiwi, it is extremely cold-hardy to -25F once established.
New Castle County, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 415 feet, New Castle County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Hardy Kiwi during the growing season.
New Castle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Hardy Kiwi Planting Timeline — New Castle County, DE
Hardy Kiwi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
· 72" apart · Rows 96" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
Soil pH
5.5 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
208 days
Growing Tips for New Castle County
Plant male and female vines for pollination. Provide very strong trellising as vines become massive. Prune similarly to grapes. Protect young plants from late spring frost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Hardy Kiwi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hardy Kiwi in New Castle County, DE?
New Castle County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Hardy Kiwi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is New Castle County, DE?
New Castle County, Delaware is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help New Castle County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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