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When to plant Hardy Kiwi in Autauga County County,

Autauga County County sits in cold Zone 8b. Plant Hardy Kiwi April 4–April 18 for the single annual harvest; the November 14 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Hardy Kiwi in Autauga County, AL

Autauga County, Alabama Zone 8b June

June in Autauga County, Alabama — your action list

Here's what deserves your attention in Autauga County, Alabama this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.

Avg. last frost March 14
Avg. first frost November 14
Soil temp (4") 81°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.1 hrs

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

Autauga County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 80 feet, Autauga County receives approximately 58.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Hardy Kiwi during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Hardy Kiwi, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Hardy Kiwi root diseases.

Autauga County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Autauga County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Hardy Kiwi Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 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.

Soil Compatibility in Autauga County

How your county's soil matches Hardy Kiwi's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) is within Hardy Kiwi's preferred range (5.5–7.0).

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Autauga County is excellent for Hardy Kiwi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Hardy Kiwi.

How to Plant Hardy Kiwi

72"
Between Plants
96"
Between Rows

Hardy Kiwi Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Hardy Kiwi

Hardy Kiwi needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Hardy Kiwi Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Autauga County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Hardy Kiwi Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Hardy Kiwi needs ~26,645 GDD — county provides 4,471 GDD May not mature

Hardy Kiwi Planting Timeline — Autauga County, AL

Hardy Kiwi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18

· 72" apart · Rows 96" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

245 days in Autauga County

Growing Tips for Hardy Kiwi in Autauga County

Direct sow Hardy Kiwi outdoors after March 14 in Autauga County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Autauga County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Hardy Kiwi. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Your 245.0-day growing season in Autauga County is tight for Hardy Kiwi (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.

General growing tips

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hardy Kiwi in Autauga County, AL?

Autauga County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Hardy Kiwi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Autauga County, AL?

Autauga County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 14.

When should I plant Hardy Kiwi in Autauga County County, ?

In Autauga County County, , plant Hardy Kiwi after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Autauga County County, for Hardy Kiwi?

Autauga County County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Hardy Kiwi grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Hardy Kiwi grow in Autauga County County's climate?

Yes — Hardy Kiwi grows well in Autauga County County's temperate climate. Autauga County County averages a 245-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 14.

🌱

Your Autauga County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Autauga County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Autauga County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.