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When to Plant Hardy Kiwi in Nantucket 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.

Nantucket County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.

At an elevation of 632 feet, Nantucket County receives approximately 48 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Hardy Kiwi during the growing season.

Nantucket County, MA (Zone 7a) Long season
206 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
206 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Nantucket County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 24

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 39 gal / 100 sq ft
Hardy Kiwi needs ~23,360 GDD — county provides 3,296 GDD May not mature

Hardy Kiwi Planting Timeline โ€” Nantucket County, MA

Hardy Kiwi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 โ€“ May 17

ยท 72" apart ยท Rows 96" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
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 7a

Growing Season

206 days

Growing Tips for Nantucket 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 Nantucket County, MA?

Nantucket County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Hardy Kiwi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nantucket County, MA?

Nantucket County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is November 4.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Nantucket County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Nantucket County, MA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.