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Kiwi, a vibrant fruit with origins in China, boasts various cultivars like ‘Hayward’ and gold kiwifruit, offering diverse flavors and textures. It’s a nutritious choice with high vitamin C content and a unique meat-tenderizing enzyme, making it a delightful and healthy addition to your diet. Grow kiwis for a taste of these exceptional benefits in your own garden!
Kiwi Varieties
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Hayward : The classic green kiwi, known for its sweet and tangy flavor, and fuzzy brown skin.
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Golden Kiwi : A golden, smooth-skinned variety, prized for its tropical and sweet taste.
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Hardy Kiwi: A smaller, smooth-skinned kiwi with a sweet-tart flavor, perfect for northern climates.
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Chico Kiwi: Uniquely red-fleshed, it offers a sweet and berry-like flavor, setting it apart from traditional green kiwis.
Pollination
Kiwifruit plants are monoecious, meaning they bear both male and female flowers. However, they rely heavily on bees for cross-pollination between these flowers. Some species and varieties of kiwi, such as the gold kiwifruit, may require a different variety for successful pollination.
Kiwi Plant Care Guide
- Light Preference: Kiwi plants prefer full sun exposure.
- Soil: They thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic soil.
- Water/Humidity: Regular watering is essential, but don’t let the soil get soggy.
- Ideal Temperatures: Kiwi plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal is between 60-75°F. They can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9.
- Deer/Rabbit Resistant: Kiwi plants are not particularly resistant to deer or rabbits.
Kiwi Planting Guide
Pro Tip: To maximize fruit production, ensure a mix of male and female plants, maintaining a recommended ratio of at least one male plant for every six females.
- Best planting season: Kiwi plants are best planted in early spring.
- Planting depth: The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the root system, generally around 3 inches deep.
- Mature plant height: Mature kiwi plants can reach up to 10 meters (33 feet) long in vine length.
- Ideal plant spacing: Leave 10 to 15 feet between kiwi plants for proper growth.
- Fertilization advice: Apply a balanced fertilizer to kiwi plants in early spring before new growth. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
- Pruning methods: During the winter dormant season, prune kiwi plants by removing dead or diseased wood and thinning out overcrowded branches. In summer, trim back new growth to encourage fruiting.
- Harvesting : Kiwi fruits are ready for harvest in late autumn when they reach the appropriate size and remain firm. Cut the fruit from the vine to prevent damage, rather than pulling it off.
Kiwi Plant Propagation
To propagate a kiwi plant, start by choosing a healthy variety such as the Actinidia deliciosa ‘Hayward’. This breed can be cultivated from seeds, but most commonly it is propagated by grafting a cutting from a mature plant onto a rootstock.
Common Issues:
- Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) poses a bacterial threat to kiwi plants, resulting in leaf spotting, cankers, and wilting. To ward off this menace, employ a proactive approach—regularly spray antibacterial products, opt for resistant cultivars, and engage in proper pruning to enhance airflow.
- Phytophthora root rot is a common fungal disease in kiwi plants, causing wilting, yellowing of leaves, and plant death. Counter this disease with a well-structured drainage system, the use of resistant rootstocks, and the judicious application of fungicides.
- Kiwifruit canker is a fungal disease that leads to the decline of the vine, visible through sunken, dead areas on the trunk. Mitigate its impact through vigilant inspection, timely fungicide application, and the meticulous pruning of infected sections.
Indoor or container Friendly :
Kiwi plants can be grown indoors in containers, however, they require a large amount of space due to their vining nature. Kiwi vines can grow up to 10 meters long and require sturdy support.
Recommended Kiwi Variety for Indoor Cultivation : For indoor cultivation, consider opting for the hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) as it is more tolerant of indoor conditions.
Steps for Cultivating Kiwi Plants Indoors
- Start by choosing a large container with good drainage, fill it with a mixture of potting soil and compost.
- Plant the kiwi vine in the container and provide a trellis or some form of support for the vine to climb.
- Ensure the plant gets plenty of sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist.
- Regular pruning is necessary to maintain size and shape, and to promote fruit production.
Companion Plants
Kiwi and grape vines can coexist in the same space, and growing them together can increase the productivity of both.
Comfrey’s deep roots play a crucial role in extracting nutrients from the soil, which in turn benefits the kiwi plant. Additionally, it aids in weed suppression and attracts beneficial insects..
Clover is a great ground cover plant and can improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, which is beneficial for kiwi plant growth.
Marigold can deter pests that may harm the kiwi plant and also attracts pollinators, enhancing the pollination process.
In conclusion, cultivating kiwi in your garden can be a rewarding experience. With the right care, including proper pruning, sufficient sun exposure, and thoughtful planting, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this delicious and nutritious fruit. So, roll up your sleeves and start growing your own kiwis today for a fruitful future!