How to Grow Kiwis

Introduction To Kiwi Vines

Kiwi vines, scientifically known as Actinidia, are fascinating and vigorous climbing plants that belong to the family Actinidiaceae. These vines are renowned for their delicious and unique fruits, which are commonly referred to as kiwis. Kiwi vines are native to East Asia, particularly China, where they have been cultivated for centuries.

Kiwi vines are known for their rapid growth and ability to cover large areas, making them excellent choices for creating natural screens, covering fences, or adorning trellises. They have heart-shaped leaves that provide a lush and vibrant backdrop to their beautiful fruits.

The fruits of kiwi vines are small, oval-shaped, and packed with flavor. Most kiwi fruits have a fuzzy brown skin, but there are also varieties with smooth skin and even red or golden flesh. The flesh of kiwis is typically green, sweet, and tangy, offering a delightful combination of flavors that is both refreshing and tropical.

In addition to their delicious fruits, kiwi vines also have attractive flowers. The flowers are typically white or cream-colored and have a pleasant fragrance. Kiwi vines are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. This requires cross-pollination between different plants to produce fruit, making them a fascinating subject for gardeners and horticulturists.

Kiwi vines are relatively easy to grow, but they do require some care and attention. They thrive in well-draining soil and prefer a sunny location, although they can tolerate some shade. Pruning is essential to maintain their shape, promote fruit production, and manage their vigorous growth.

Whether you're a gardening enthusiast looking to add a unique and fruitful vine to your landscape or a lover of delicious and nutritious fruits, kiwi vines are an excellent choice. With their vibrant foliage, fragrant flowers, and delectable fruits, kiwi vines offer a delightful and rewarding gardening experience.

Types of Kiwis

There are two common species of kiwi vines that are widely available:

1. Actinidia deliciosa (common kiwi or fuzzy kiwi): This is the most well-known and widely grown species of kiwi vine. It produces the familiar fuzzy-skinned kiwi fruits that are commonly found in grocery stores. The fruits have a sweet and tangy flavor and are typically green on the inside with small black seeds. Actinidia deliciosa vines are vigorous climbers and require a sturdy support structure to grow on.

2. Actinidia arguta (hardy kiwi or kiwi berry): This species is smaller in size compared to Actinidia deliciosa. The fruits of Actinidia arguta are smaller, smooth-skinned, and typically eaten whole, including the skin. They have a sweet and slightly tart flavor. Actinidia arguta vines are hardier and more cold-tolerant than Actinidia deliciosa, making them suitable for growing in cooler climates.

Both species of kiwi vines are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. To ensure fruit production, it is necessary to have both male and female plants in close proximity for cross-pollination.

In addition to these common species, there are also other less widely cultivated species of kiwi vines, such as Actinidia chinensis (golden kiwi) and Actinidia kolomikta (variegated kiwi), which have different fruit characteristics and growth habits.

Kiwi Planting Location

Plant kiwi vines in the full sun. This is an area that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Actinidia kolomikta (Variegated / Arctic Kiwi) will tolerate more shade. Moist but well drained soil is preferred.

Kiwi Fertilization

For new plantings apply bonemeal or myke into the planting hole. You can also use liquid transplant fertilizer when watering. For established plants, apply a Fruit Tree and Berry fertilizer or a Perennial & Vine food in early spring before new growth begins.

Kiwi Pollination

Kiwi plants have separate male and female flowers, which means they require cross-pollination between different plants to produce fruit. The process of kiwi pollination involves the transfer of pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers.

Here's how kiwi pollination works:

1. Male and Female Plants: Kiwi plants are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. Male plants produce only male flowers, while female plants produce only female flowers. It's important to have both male and female plants in close proximity for successful pollination.

2. Flower Structure: Male kiwi flowers have stamens that produce pollen. Female kiwi flowers have a pistil with a stigma, style, and ovary. The stigma is where the pollen needs to be deposited for pollination to occur.

3. Pollination Agents: Kiwi flowers are primarily pollinated by insects, especially bees. Bees are attracted to the flowers by their nectar and inadvertently transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers as they move between them.

4. Timing: Kiwi plants have specific timing requirements for successful pollination. The male flowers usually bloom earlier than the female flowers, ensuring that they are ready to release pollen when the female flowers become receptive. It's crucial to have compatible male and female varieties that bloom at the same time for effective pollination.

5. Pollen Transfer: Bees or other pollinators visit the male flowers, collecting pollen on their bodies. When they move to the female flowers, some of the pollen is transferred to the stigma. The pollen then travels down the style to fertilize the ovary, leading to fruit development.

6. Fruit Development: Once pollination is successful, the fertilized ovary develops into a kiwi fruit. The fruit will continue to grow and mature over time until it is ready for harvest.

It's important to note that some kiwi varieties are self-fertile,  Issai, Geneva, Kens Red, meaning they have both male and female flowers on the same plant and can pollinate themselves. However, having separate male and female plants or compatible varieties nearby generally increases the chances of successful pollination and higher fruit yields.

Kiwi Pruning

Pruning a kiwi vine is essential for maintaining its health, promoting fruit production, and managing its growth. Pruning is essential for kiwi vines to maintain their shape and promote fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Also, thin out the canopy to allow better air circulation and sunlight penetration.Here are some steps to guide you in pruning a kiwi vine:

1. Timing: The best time to prune a kiwi vine is during late winter or early spring, while the plant is still dormant. Pruning during this time allows the vine to heal quickly and minimizes the risk of disease.

2. Remove dead or damaged wood: Start by inspecting the vine and removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Cut back these branches to healthy tissue, making clean cuts just above a bud or lateral branch.

3. Thin out excessive growth: Kiwi vines tend to produce a lot of vigorous growth. To manage this, selectively thin out excessive branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. Remove any weak or overcrowded branches, as well as those growing in undesirable directions.

4. Prune for structure: Kiwi vines can become quite large and unruly if left unpruned. To maintain a manageable size and shape, prune the main branches to encourage lateral growth. This helps create a well-structured framework for the vine to grow on.

5. Prune for fruit production: Kiwi vines produce fruit on one-year-old wood. To encourage fruiting, retain a good balance between older, fruit-bearing wood and new growth. Prune back some of the older wood to stimulate the growth of new fruiting canes.

6. Train the vine: As you prune, guide the vine along a support structure, such as a trellis or wires. Train the main branches horizontally or at a slight angle to promote even growth and maximize fruit production.

7. Clean up and maintenance: After pruning, remove any pruned branches and debris from around the base of the vine. Consider applying a layer of organic mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Remember to use clean and sharp pruning tools to make precise cuts. Disinfect your tools between cuts, especially if you are pruning multiple plants, to prevent the spread of diseases.

It's important to note that male and female kiwi vines have different pruning requirements. Male vines are typically pruned more heavily, while female vines require a more balanced approach to maintain fruit production.

 

Kiwi Care and Maintenance

 Kiwi vines are vigorous climbers and need support to grow properly. Install a sturdy trellis or arbor for the vines to climb on. As the vines grow, gently train them along the trellis, tying them with soft plant ties if necessary. Pest and disease control: Kiwi vines can be susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of infestation and take appropriate measures, such as using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, keep an eye out for common diseases like powdery mildew and take preventive measures like proper spacing and good air circulation.

Common Kiwi Varieties

Here are descriptions for a few  of the most popular types of kiwis

1. Hayward: The Hayward kiwi is the most widely grown and recognized variety. It features large, oval-shaped fruits with brown, fuzzy skin. The flesh is bright green, sweet, and tangy. Hayward kiwis are known for their excellent flavor and are commonly found in grocery stores.

2. Issai: Issai is a self-fertile kiwi variety, meaning it doesn't require a separate male plant for pollination. It produces small to medium-sized fruits with smooth, green skin. The flesh is green and sweet, with a hint of tartness. Issai kiwis are ideal for smaller gardens or containers due to their compact growth habit.

3. Jenny: Jenny kiwi is another self-fertile variety that is prized for its early ripening. The fruits are medium-sized with smooth, green skin. The flesh is green, sweet, and aromatic. Jenny kiwis are known for their reliable production and ability to thrive in cooler climates.