There are two main types of kiwi plants that can be grown in the kitchen garden: one suitable in colder temperature and the other for warm, frost-free climates. Learn how to grow, grow and harvest kiwis in your garden! About kiwis Did you know that these delicious and nutritious fruits grow on a vine and are not native to New Zealand? The kiwi tree (Actinidia deliciosa) is native to southwestern China and was historically known in English as the "Chinese goose. " At the beginning of the 20th century, the plant was exported to Europe, the United States, and New Zealand, where most kiwis are grown today. On the other hand, hardy kiwi (A. arguta) is found in northern China, Japan, and the Korean peninsula. Kiwi varieties There are two main types of kiwifruit trees that can be grown in home gardens: kiwifruit (A. deliciosa) and hardy kiwifruit (A. arguta, A. columnikta). The kiwi is a variety that most of us are familiar with; it produces airy round fruits the size of a very large fleshy belly. The hard kiwi, on the other hand, produces soft, green fruits the size of a grape, which is why it is also known as 'kiwiberry.' It is said to taste sweeter than a giant kiwi. Some hardy kiwi varieties, such as A. columnikta, are grown primarily for their attractive pink leaves and fragrant flowers. Apart from the differences in their fruits, the plants also differ in their hardiness. As the name suggests, hardy kiwis do best in colder climates (USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7) and can even survive sub-zero heat, while kiwis should be grown in areas with less humidity (zones 8 to 9). That said, the fruits and flowers of both species are very sensitive to summer and fall, so this plant is best grown in areas with mild to moderate frosts of 200 days. Note: If you are considering planting kiwis in your garden, remember that both male and female plants must bear fruit. The male plant produces leaves, and the female produces both wings and fruit. (However, there is reportedly one type of hardy kiwi that can transplant itself, called 'Issai,' if you only have room for one plant!) When should you plant kiwi vines?
- Plant kiwifruit trees in the spring after the threat of frost has passed.
- Kiwis usually start bearing fruit 3 to 5 years after planting.
Selection and preparation of a planting site
- Kiwi vines need a sunny location for good flowering and fruiting.
- Plant in a sheltered area in the garden to avoid air damage.
- Plant vines in cooler northern parts of the field to minimize damage from snow-flow in early spring when plants are particularly susceptible to infection.
- Kiwi plants need well-drained soil as their roots tend to rot if stored too wet.
- Kiwi vines grow slowly and need strong support.
Establish a tall, sturdy vine-supporting canopy that can grow up to 15 feet wide and 20 feet tall, producing up to 100 pounds of fruit. How are kiwi vines planted?
- For a good kiwifruit harvest, you need to plant both male and female trees. Females produce young.
- Tip: The best ratio would be one male plant to six female plants.
- Plant vines 10 to 15 feet apart.
- When planting, it may be necessary to prune trees if they are too tall.
- Plant the vines just deep enough to cover the roots well with soil.
- Water well when planting.
Growth of kiwi vines
- Add water to plants during many summers or other dry seasons unless it rains.
- Do not breed in the first year. Then fertilize the spring with balanced fertilizer or soybean meal.
- Start flexible training roots as support in the first year of planting.
- Prune side shoots (if not flowering) 2-3 times during flowering.
- Kiwi flowers and fruit on old trees.
- Regularly remove water leaves (strong leaves of older trees) and leaves from the stem.
- Prune female vines during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Prune male vines in early summer after flowering.
- In cold climates, hardy kiwifruit vines may die to the ground year after year. Remove dead leaves and cover with leaves or mulch.
How to propagate Kiwi Vines?
- Kiwi can be propagated from seed. Here's how to do it:
- Remove the seeds from a ripe kiwi and allow them to dry for two days.
- Place the seeds in a container lined with moist perlite and refrigerate for two months.
- Plant the seeds to a depth of 1/8 inch in a damp pot, and cover the container with plastic wrap.
- Put the container in a warm and bright place and keep the soil moist.
- When seedlings start to grow, close the container.
- If the plants have four true leaves, grow them in individual pots.
- When the plants reach a few inches tall, put them outside.
- Kiwifruit can also be propagated from cuttings (fresh leaves in summer):
- Cut a stem of the kiwi tree into 15cm pieces and cut off the sprouting stems.
- Make cuts in glass with one inch of water.
- After about three weeks, the cuttings will have small roots at the ends of the cuttings.
- Plant cuttings in pots or outdoors.
Hardy kiwi (kiwifruit).
- A. arguta' Ananasnaya' (also known as 'Anna') has jade-colored skin, green flesh, black seeds, and a pineapple flavor.
- A. arguta' Issai' is self-fertile (does not require a sperm pollinator) and produces small, juicy fruits. Plants love the fragrant white flowers in early spring.
- A. arguta' Geneva' ripens earlier than 'Anna' or 'Issai' and has sweet and sour fruit.
- A. arguta' Ken's Red' grows with reddish-brown skin. The flesh inside is dark brown with dark red streaks.
- The fruit of A. kolomikta' Red Beauty' ripens faster than most hardy kiwifruit varieties, but A. kolomikta can be generally temperamental. The fruits are lean and sweet.
Kiwi friut (Kiwiberries)
- 'Hayward' is the first female cultivar of A. deliciosa grown commercially. It produces round, soft fruits with a green interior that are found in grocery stores.
- Male varieties include 'Chico,' 'Matua,' and 'Tamori.'
During the kiwi harvest
- Fruit can usually ripen in September/October, which may cause early frosts in some areas.
- Harvest the fruits when they are soft to the touch and ready to eat.
- Alternatively, if early frosts are a problem, harvest kiwis when they are still firm, but the seeds are black.
These fruits can be kept in the refrigerator for up to six weeks. Remove from the fridge and let it soften for a few days before serving. How to store kiwi fruit
- Store hardened kiwi fruit in the fridge or freezer for up to six weeks.
- Freeze whole kiwis on a cookie sheet and place in a plastic freezer bag.
- Kiwi was once known as the "beard of China."
- Hardy kiwi is rich in vitamins C, A, and E, potassium, calcium, calcium, and iron.
- Hardy kiwi is also known as the kiwi, baby kiwi, dessert kiwi, grape kiwi, and cocktail kiwi.