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When to Plant Hardy Kiwi in Medina County, OH

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

Medina County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.

At an elevation of 780 feet, Medina County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Hardy Kiwi during the growing season.

Medina County, OH (Zone 5b) Moderate season
172 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
172 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Medina County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Jun 6

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 428 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 2,623 GDD May not mature

Hardy Kiwi Planting Timeline โ€” Medina County, OH

Hardy Kiwi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2

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

172 days

Growing Tips for Medina 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 Medina County, OH?

Medina County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Hardy Kiwi planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Medina County, OH?

Medina County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 17.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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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 Medina County, OH. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.