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When to Plant Hardy Kiwi in Boundary County, ID

Hardy kiwi produces grape-sized, smooth-skinned fruits eaten whole without peeling. Unlike fuzzy kiwi, it is extremely cold-hardy to -25F once established.

Boundary County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 5,105 feet, Boundary County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Hardy Kiwi during the growing season.

Boundary County, ID (Zone 5b) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 22

Boundary County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 25

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 495 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Hardy Kiwi needs ~22,265 GDD — county provides 2,058 GDD May not mature

Hardy Kiwi Planting Timeline โ€” Boundary County, ID

Hardy Kiwi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 โ€“ Jun 14

ยท 72" apart ยท Rows 96" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

1095โ€“1825 days

Soil pH

5.5 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 5b

Growing Season

135 days

Growing Tips for Boundary 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hardy Kiwi in Boundary County, ID?

Boundary County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Hardy Kiwi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boundary County, ID?

Boundary County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Boundary County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Boundary County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.