Depending on where kiwis are found, they like temperatures in the mild range, Kiwis do not have any particular water requirements, and they function very well within the USDA tolerance zone water levels that have been established for them . But to produce fruit, they require a climate with temperatures approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit lower for at least one month.
In addition, the vines are able to survive temperatures of 114 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer; however, they will require additional water to compensate.
You are in luck if you adore the kiwis that are often sold in grocery stores and are considering cultivating your own personal supply.
Kiwifruit, also called Actinidia deliciosa, can be cultivated successfully in a variety of home gardens, given the appropriate level of attention and environmental conditions.
It is a common misconception that the kiwi is native to New Zealand; in fact, it is a climbing plant that originated in Asia. The kiwi can be trained to cover gazebos and other garden structures, where it will not only look beautiful but also serve a practical purpose.
The kiwi will grow swiftly, often adding between six and twelve feet per year if it is planted in the early spring or late fall when conditions are ideal.
However, only mature female vines are capable of producing fruit, and the majority of them do not begin producing fruit until they are at least three years old.
The vines need to be at least eight years old in order to produce quality fruit, and this process can take up to forty years or longer in some cases.
Botanical Name: Actinidia deliciosaCommon Name : Kiwifruit, kiwi, Chinese gooseberryPlant Type : FruitMature Size: 15–30 ft. tall, 6–10 ft. wide.
Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Type: Moist but well-drainedSoil pH: AcidicBloom Time: SpringFlower Color: CreamHardiness Zones: 7–9 (USDA)Native Area: AsiaKiwi fruit care Growing kiwifruit can be a bit of work, but the benefits—tons of delicious fruit and flavor—are well worth it.
The fruit is actually regarded as a stick; each kiwifruit is about 3 inches long and egg-shaped, with a cloudy exterior. Kiwi vines are ideal for growing in a canopy such as a gazebo, trellis, pergola, arbor, or fence.
When planning where to plant your kiwi vine, make sure you have enough space and support for at least two vines, as you will need male and female plants to grow this dioecious variety successfully.
The flowers can be cream or yellow and will be mildly scented.
Proper irrigation and pruning are especially important for kiwifruit vines, as the fruit is produced on annual stalks.
lightPlant your kiwi vine where it can get full sun or partial shade all year round. The more sun the plant gets, the better its fruiting will be, and you should aim for at least 8 hours of light per day.
SoilKiwi grapes prefer to be acidic, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.8. In terms of soil texture, the vine is not very vibrant but does well with a rich, moist, well-drained mix.
When planting your vines, space each one about 10 feet apart to give them plenty of room to grow and flower.
WaterYour kiwi vines will need regular watering and are not drought tolerant at all. For this reason, you should never let their soil dry out.
That said, they also don't like wet feet, which makes well-drained soil especially necessary. If you notice brown or droopy leaves on the vine, it's usually a sign that your plant could use more water.
FertilizerKiwi vines do best when grown in soil rich in organic matter and nitrogen.
If your soil lacks nitrogen during the test, you'll want to change your mix to a more nutritious fertilizer.
Regular feeding is especially important as the vine grows and becomes stable. Plan to feed your plant at planting, in early spring, and in the summer after the flowers have died with a mixture of slow-release all-purpose fertilizer.
Pruning Proper pruning of your kiwi vines not only encourages fruit growth but also prevents vines from getting out of control.
It's essential to start with a strong canopy (via a trellis or otherwise) - from there, hold it around the main stem until it's high enough to start forming a canopy at the top.
The best time to prune your kiwi vine is in the winter when the tree is dormant. Common pests and diseases Kiwi vines are susceptible to a number of common pests, such as mites and thrips, both of which can be easily controlled with horticultural oil.
Another common problem with kiwi vines is insects that feed on the fruit of the tree, especially leafroller caterpillars and Japanese beetles.
It is best to prune the fruit regularly and to encourage birds, the natural predators of these insects, to visit your garden.
