When to Plant Hardy Kiwi in Bristol County, MA
Hardy kiwi produces grape-sized, smooth-skinned fruits eaten whole without peeling. Unlike fuzzy kiwi, it is extremely cold-hardy to -25F once established.
Bristol County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 833 feet, Bristol County receives approximately 47.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Hardy Kiwi during the growing season.
Bristol County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.7
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 — Bristol County, MA
Hardy Kiwi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
· 72" apart · Rows 96" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
174 days
Growing Tips for Bristol 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 Bristol County, MA?
Bristol County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Hardy Kiwi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bristol County, MA?
Bristol County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bristol County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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