How to Grow Kiwi (Actinidia )

Decorative kiwi fruit interior (Actinidia deliciosa)

Kiwi fruits grow on decorative vines. They are exported heavily from Italy, China and New Zealand, among other countries. The kiwi fruit is a good source of vitamin C as well as A and E. But mostly it is the delicate, sweet flavor and the slight crunch of the artistically arranged little black seeds that make the kiwi so popular. You can grow Kiwis (Actinidia deliciosa) in the garden. Here is some information on the plant and its needs.

Instructions

1. 

   The Actinidia species are long lived plants that can grow for 50 years. You can grow these plants very much like you would grow grapes with good supports. Although it is often stated kiwis that grow well where citrus, peaches and almonds grow well, this isn't exactly true all the time since these other trees will take a more intense sun and a less rich soil and still grow well.

2. Kiwis are dioecious, that is, they have separate male and female plants. So if you want fruit you will need to plant at least one male plant for every five females for pollination.

3. 

   On the Actinidia deliciosa the leaves, shoots and flowers are covered with fine red-brown hairs. To set fruit properly Kiwifruits need some winter chill. Some varieties can handle winter temperatures down to 10'F when dormant, but early frosts can destroy fruit. The kiwi will drop leaves at 32'F and then needs 400 hours of dormancy, or 40 days of 40º F (4.44º C), in order to set fruit properly.

4. Plant the kiwi plant in full sun, or in some shade in hot climates. The Actinidia doesn't do well in most desert soils. It needs moist, but well drained fertile soil. A heavy clay will be difficult. The kiwi can handle periods of wet, however, that would rot a peach tree. Soil should be slightly acid. Plants also require a good airflow but protection from wind. Since the roots of these plants are sensitive to fertilizer burn, feed very lightly in early spring and early summer with all purpose (10-10-10) fertilizer.

5. Prune by cutting back 1/3 of the recent year's growth when the plant is dormant.

6. 

   Although all kiwis do produce edible fruit, the Actinidia deliciosa is considered the best for eating. However, the Actinidia arguta and the Actinidia kolomikta are much more cold hearty (to -25'F). The Actinidia arguta has a smooth cherry-sized fruit and the Actinidia kolomikta has even smaller fruit, but is often grown for its decorative pink and white splashed foliage.

7. 

   Some compare the flavor of the kiwi or kiwifruit (they are often referred to either way) with a gooseberry or strawberry. 'Kiwifruit Recipes', is an excellent recipe reference book published by the Kiwi Growers of California. (See Additional Resources below.) Kiwis can be eaten fresh or used for cooking. When cooking with them be aware that they have enzymes that prevent jello from solidifying and do not work well with milk products.

8. Design kiwis in the landscape as living hedges around your vegetable garden, as fence covers or as a privacy screen. Actinidias flower with showy white flowers that fade to apricot in color. They are beautiful with their thickly grown fuzzy leaves and generous with their delicious fruit. Grow kiwis in your garden and they will reward you in many ways.

Resources

• Professional gardening blog
• Kiwi recipe book
• Gates & Croft Horticultural Design Info & Ideas