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When to plant Hardy Kiwi in Jackson County, IL

Jackson County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Hardy Kiwi May 1–May 15 for the single annual harvest; the October 21 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Hardy Kiwi in Jackson County, IL

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

Jackson County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 1,046 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Hardy Kiwi during the growing season.

Jackson County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Hardy Kiwi Planting Timeline — Jackson County, IL

Hardy Kiwi Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 – May 15

· 72" apart · Rows 96" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hardy Kiwi in Jackson County, IL?

Jackson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Hardy Kiwi planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, IL?

Jackson County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Hardy Kiwi in Jackson County, IL?

In Jackson County, IL, plant Hardy Kiwi after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, IL for Hardy Kiwi?

Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Hardy Kiwi grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Hardy Kiwi grow in Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Hardy Kiwi grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 21.

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Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 7a). 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 Jackson County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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