When to plant Kiwi in Mapleton, KS
Plant Kiwi in Mapleton during the brief April 29–May 13 window. With 200 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 25.
When to Plant Kiwi in Mapleton, KS
Top priorities for Bourbon County, Kansas gardeners in July
Each item below is timed to Bourbon County, Kansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Kiwi vines produce fuzzy, tangy-sweet fruits and need both male and female plants for pollination. Hardy kiwi varieties (A. arguta) are suited to colder climates.
Mapleton, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.
At an elevation of 438 feet, Bourbon County receives approximately 26 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Kiwi during the growing season.
Mapleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Kiwi Planting Risk Windows
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 Mapleton
How your county's soil matches Kiwi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) overlaps with Kiwi's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bourbon County is excellent for Kiwi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Kiwi.
How to Plant Kiwi
Kiwi Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Kiwi
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 | Kiwi Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bourbon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
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.
Kiwi Planting Timeline — Mapleton, KS
Kiwi Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
· 72" apart · Rows 96" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
200 days in Bourbon County
Growing Tips for Kiwi in Mapleton
Direct sow Kiwi outdoors after April 08 in Bourbon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 200.0-day growing season in Bourbon County is tight for Kiwi (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant one male vine for every 6-8 female vines. Provide a very sturdy arbor or T-bar trellis. Prune heavily in winter. Protect young plants from frost in cold zones.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Kiwi in Other Locations
When should I plant Kiwi in Mapleton, KS?
In Mapleton, KS, plant Kiwi after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mapleton, KS for Kiwi?
Mapleton sits in USDA Zone 7a. Kiwi grows reliably in zones 7a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Kiwi grow in Mapleton's climate?
Yes — Kiwi grows well in Mapleton's temperate climate. Mapleton averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 25.
Your Bourbon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bourbon 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.