When to Plant Hardy Kiwi in Loudon County, TN
Your May planting checklist for Loudon County, Tennessee
May is a pivotal month for Loudon County, Tennessee gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Move hardy kiwi into the garden
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
Hardy kiwi produces grape-sized, smooth-skinned fruits eaten whole without peeling. Unlike fuzzy kiwi, it is extremely cold-hardy to -25F once established.
Loudon County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 2,724 feet, Loudon County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Hardy Kiwi during the growing season.
Loudon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Loudon County
How your county's soil matches Hardy Kiwi's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.5) is within Hardy Kiwi's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Loudon County is excellent for Hardy Kiwi — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Hardy Kiwi.
How to Plant Hardy Kiwi
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Loudon 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 Planting Timeline — Loudon County, TN
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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Loudon County
Growing Tips for Hardy Kiwi in Loudon County
Direct sow Hardy Kiwi outdoors after April 10 in Loudon County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 199.0-day growing season in Loudon 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 →
Hardy Kiwi in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Hardy Kiwi in Loudon County, TN?
Loudon County is in Zone 7b 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 Loudon County, TN?
Loudon County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Loudon County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Loudon County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.