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When to Plant Hardy Kiwi in Latah 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.

Latah County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 5,530 feet, Latah County receives approximately 14.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Hardy Kiwi during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Hardy Kiwi successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Latah County, ID (Zone 5b) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 23

Latah County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 26

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
0.5″/week
You supply
1.0″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,210 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Hardy Kiwi needs ~21,170 GDD — county provides 1,957 GDD May not mature

Hardy Kiwi Planting Timeline โ€” Latah County, ID

Hardy Kiwi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 1 Jun 1 โ€“ Jun 15

ยท 72" apart ยท Rows 96" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May โ€”
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 Latah 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 Latah County, ID?

Latah County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Hardy Kiwi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Latah County, ID?

Latah County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 23.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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