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When to Plant Hardy Kiwi in USDA Zone 7b

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

In Zone 7b, the average last spring frost is around March 18 and the first fall frost is around November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

Zone 7b Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 18
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Hardy Kiwi Planting Timeline — Zone 7b

Where Is USDA Zone 7b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7b. Click any state to see the Hardy Kiwi planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Hardy Kiwi Planting Calendar — Zone 7b

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 – Apr 22

· 72" apart · Rows 96" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Free Zone 7b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate — regular watering

Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

Soil pH

5.5 – 7

Zone Temperature Range

5°F to 10°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

235 days (Zone 7b average)

Planting Specifications

Plant Spacing72 inches apart
Row Spacing96 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Zone 7b

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

Saving Hardy Kiwi Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

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Pruning Shears $12-30

Sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts on fruit trees, berry bushes, and woody herbs.

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hardy Kiwi in Zone 7b?

In Zone 7b, plan your Hardy Kiwi planting around the average last frost date of March 18. Transplant seedlings around April 8.

Can Hardy Kiwi grow in Zone 7b?

Yes, Hardy Kiwi can grow well in Zone 7b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 8b. Zone 7b has a growing season of approximately 235 days, which is sufficient for Hardy Kiwi (1095-1825 days to maturity).

What is the last frost date for Zone 7b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 7b is around March 18, and the first fall frost is around November 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 235 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Hardy Kiwi?

Good companion plants for Hardy Kiwi include Comfrey, Lavender. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 7b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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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, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.