Growing kiwi plants is an easier process than you might think and it is possible to grow them at home if you can choose the right variety and provide them with the conditions that they need.
Kiwis need full sun to grow best, and the amount of sunlight they get will determine how fruit yields will be. They need soil that is slightly acidic, but also rich in nutrients so they can produce lots of fruit for you! You don’t want wet patches around your kiwi vines, as this could cause them to rot. However, too dry may cause the vines to die.
Where to get kiwi plants from?
If you are thinking of purchasing kiwi plants, it’s best to purchase them from local garden centers as this will make sure that the climate is suitable for your area.
If you want a specific variety, then you might need to buy them online or through catalogues. Make sure that when you buy them in person, you know what variety they are.
A good source for several varieties of kiwi plants is Amazon. There is a range of different plants available.
We like the Ananasnaya plants that come in a bundle of 3 plants which you can read more about here.
How to plant kiwi vines
If you have purchased a bunch of green kiwi plants, then the next thing you need is a sunny place for them to grow in and well drained soil.
If the ground that you want to plant your kiwis is previously used, make sure that there are two inches of fresh compost added to the soil.
When you are ready to plant, dig a hole that is about six inches deep and just slightly wider than the root ball of your plants. If you use well-rotted manure as fertilizer or compost then work this in with the soil before planting your vines.
Kiwi roots need to be in contact with the soil to grow. One of the most common causes of kiwi die off is due to a lack of oxygen at the roots.
Once you have planted your vines, you need to continue watering them as they become established and water every two weeks during dry weather, unless it rains heavily.
The best way to learn about how much water your kiwi plants need is to poke your finger into the soil. When it feels dry, it’s time to water again.
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Where to plant kiwi vines?
Kiwi vines are susceptible to frost and cold weather and winds.
You will need to find a site with full sun and well drained soil.
They do not like the cold so if you live in an area that experiences cold weather, then it’s best to plant them against a south facing wall and avoid planting them in a valley.
Kiwi vines do not like to live at high altitudes either and the same goes for windy areas.
The soil needs to be fertile and slightly acidic so that your kiwis can grow well.
Soil pH should be within 5-6.5, but you may want to test your soil pH to be sure.
Fertilizing is not necessary unless the soil is poor and you also need to make sure that their feeder roots stay out of direct contact with fertilizers, otherwise they will suffer from fertilizer burn.
Can kiwi plants be grown in pots?
It is possible to grow kiwi plants in pots, and quite successfully too.
However, if you want your vines to bear fruit, then you will need a larger pot.
If the roots of the plant will be exposed, make sure that they are well dressed or mulched with soil to reduce heat stress on them.
Remember that your pot needs to have good drainage and you need to ensure that the plant receives enough water otherwise the fruit may drop before it becomes ripe.
Where do kiwis grow best?
Kiwis grow well in warm areas that get lots of sunshine and at least six months of frost free days and nights.
If you live in a warmer climate, then you will need to plant your kiwi vines in a protected area or choose the variety of kiwi that can handle more heat and humidity.
When it comes to planting your vines, make sure that they are planted in an area with full sun.
If you want your kiwis to produce fruit, then they will need at least four hours of sunlight per day.
How long does it take for kiwi plants to grow?
It can take up to two years for your young kiwi plants to start producing fruit.
From the time you plant your vines, they will grow leaves and stems in their first year with smaller roots.
In the second year, they will grow bigger leaves and more branches along with bigger roots.
The third year is when you can expect to start seeing your vines bear fruit.
Your kiwi plants will require at least three years before you see a decent yield and that is if they are planted in the right kind of soil with the right pruning.
The good thing is that you can get an excellent yield during their third year but these vines do not bear fruit every year and you may notice that they produce better in some years than others.
How do you look after a kiwi plant?
All kiwi vines need is regular watering once they have become established.
During the winter mulch around the base of the plant with some well rotted manure or compost and, when the vine begins to grow in the Spring, add a handful of Growmore to the surface of the soil around the base of the plant.
Can you grow a kiwi plant from a shop bought kiwi?
It is possible to grow a vine from the fruit of a shop bought kiwi, but you need to make sure that the fruit has not been waxed.
You must choose an unblemished fruit and wash it in cold water before you let it sit for two or three days until it is starting to wrinkle on the skin.
You will then need to cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh, leaving one centimeter of skin around the seed. This is important as this small portion of skin will help your plant grow healthily once it has taken root.
Make sure that you allow the seeds time to dry before planting them.
Do not put them in direct sunlight or you may damage the seed.
You will need to plant each seed around one centimeter deep and water thoroughly so that it is soaked but not soggy.
You also need to make sure that it is protected from slugs and snails as they love munching on young kiwi vines.
It will take 2 to 3 years before your kiwi plant is mature enough to produce fruit.
Final Words
On the whole, kiwi vines are easy to look after and a great fruit for your garden.
Make sure that you choose the right variety of kiwi plant for your climate and give it all the care it needs to ensure that you get lots of tasty fruits every year.
