Kiwifruit

What you'll need:

Kiwifruit seeds or young plants (you can find them at garden centers or online)

A large pot or a patch of land in your garden

Good-quality soil with plenty of organic matter (compost is great!)

Some basic fertilizer (look for one labeled "fruit tree" or "all-purpose")

• A trellis, fence, or some kind of support system – kiwifruit vines grow tall and need something to climb on

When to start:

Kiwifruit loves warmth but can handle cooler climates too. If you're starting from seeds, it’s best to begin indoors around late winter (February/March) and then move them outside after the last frost. If you’re buying a young plant, wait until spring when the weather is consistently warm.

Finding a good spot:

Kiwifruit needs lots of sunlight, so choose a sunny location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. The more sun, the sweeter the fruit will be! Also, remember that kiwifruit vines can grow quite big, so make sure there's enough space for them to spread out.

Important note: Kiwifruit plants are either male or female. You’ll need at least one male plant for every few female plants to get fruit. If you're buying young plants, ask the seller which ones are male and female.

If you have seeds:

1. Soak the seeds in water overnight to help them germinate faster.
2. Fill small pots with moist soil and sprinkle the seeds on top.
3. Cover them lightly with soil – just a thin layer – and water gently.
4. Place the pots in a warm, bright spot (but not in direct sunlight yet).
5. Seeds should sprout in about 2-3 weeks.
6. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, you can move them to larger pots or directly into the garden.

If you have young plants:

1. Dig a hole that’s twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the plant.
2. Gently place the plant in the hole, making sure the roots are spread out nicely.
3. Backfill the hole with soil and pat it down gently.
4. Water thoroughly right after planting.

Support system: Since kiwifruit grows as a vine, you’ll need to set up a trellis, fence, or sturdy structure nearby. As the plant grows, guide the vines onto the support by gently tying them with soft string or plant ties. This will help them climb and spread out properly.

Watering:

• Kiwifruit likes regular watering, especially during hot summer months. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• In the first year, water deeply once or twice a week. After that, you can water less often but make sure the roots stay hydrated.
• When it rains, you might not need to water as much, but check the soil regularly to make sure it doesn’t dry out completely.

Feeding time:

• Start fertilizing your kiwifruit plant in early spring. Use a balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 mix) or one made specifically for fruit trees.
• Feed the plant again in early summer, following the instructions on the fertilizer package. Don’t over-fertilize, as this can lead to lots of leaves but fewer fruits.

Pruning:

• Prune your kiwifruit vine in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This helps the plant focus its energy on producing fruit instead of growing too many leaves.
• Cut back any old or weak branches and remove any shoots that are growing where you don’t want them.

Pollination tip:

Remember, you need both male and female plants for fruit production. Bees and other pollinators usually do the job, but if you notice poor fruit set, you can hand-pollinate by using a small paintbrush to transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female ones.

When to pick your kiwifruit:

• Kiwifruit usually takes about 3-4 years to bear fruit if you started from a young plant, and even longer if you grew it from seed.
• The fruit is ready to harvest in late fall, usually October or November, depending on your climate.
• You’ll know it’s ready when the fruit feels firm but gives slightly when pressed. The skin should look brown and fuzzy.

How to pick:

• Simply cut the fruit off the vine with scissors or pruning shears, leaving a small stem attached.
• Don’t pull the fruit off the vine, as this can damage the plant.

After harvesting:

• Kiwifruit can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks. If you want them to ripen faster, you can leave them at room temperature or put them in a paper bag with an apple or banana, which releases ethylene gas to speed up ripening.
• Once ripe, store them in the fridge to enjoy them fresh for up to a week.

Q: My kiwifruit plant isn't producing fruit. What's wrong?

A: It could be because you only have female plants without a male plant nearby for pollination. Kiwifruit needs both male and female plants to produce fruit. Make sure you have at least one male plant for every 3-5 female plants.

Q: Can I grow kiwifruit in a pot?

A: Yes, but it’s better suited to large containers since kiwifruit plants can grow quite large. Make sure the pot has good drainage and provide a strong trellis for support. You may also need to prune more often to keep the plant manageable.

Q: Why are my kiwifruits falling off before they ripen?

A: This could be due to uneven watering, lack of nutrients, or poor pollination. Make sure you’re watering consistently and feeding the plant with the right fertilizer. If pollination seems to be the issue, try hand-pollinating the flowers.

Q: Do kiwifruits need cold weather to grow?

A: Kiwifruit does need some chill hours (a period of cooler weather) during winter to set fruit, but it shouldn’t be too cold. They thrive in temperate climates where temperatures don’t drop below freezing for long periods.

Q: How do I protect my kiwifruit from pests?

A: Common pests include aphids and caterpillars. You can spray the plant with a gentle insecticidal soap or use neem oil to keep bugs away. Regularly check the leaves and stems for signs of pests and remove them by hand if needed.