Growing Kiwi Fruit Vines

Growing Kiwi Fruit Vines. Kiwi Fruit (Actinidia deliciosa), which is also known as Chinese Gooseberry, is a perennial, deciduous vine that prefers a temperate climate. During the spring, both male and female kiwi vines bear prolific, white (sometimes creme-to-pale-yellow) flowers that, when fertilized, become the kiwi fruit. The fruit is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium.

Growing Kiwi Fruit Vines From Seed

• Sow Kiwi Seeds in summer to autumn.
• Add potting soil to a tray or container. Spread the seeds out on top of the soil mix.
• Mist the seeds and soil mix. Put the container in a sunny spot.
• Keep the soil moist until germination takes place.
• Transplant the seedlings into individual containers. Re-pot into bigger containers once the plants become root bound.
• Once the plants are about 30cm in height, you can plant them out into a permanent spot in the garden.
• Kiwi vines are not self fertile and you need at least 1 male plant, for successful pollination. It is recommended to plant at least 3 or 4 plants close together, for successful pollination.
• Kiwi plants require well-drained soil, as they are prone to root rot if kept too wet.
• In South Africa it is best if the vines are planted in partial shade or in a spot where it gets afternoon shade.
• These vines can grow to a height of 9m and a spread of 5m.
• Make sure to plant the vines next to a strong trellis for support.

Maintaining Kiwi Fruit Vines

• Train the Kiwi vines by tying the shoots to the trellis.
• Prune the plants every winter by trimming excess vines and lateral growth.
• Fertilize with a well-balanced fertilizer in the spring.
• Kiwi vines are not drought tolerant, so water the plants regularly during dry spells.
• If the vines are planted in direct sun, then provide the plants with some shade cloth during the hot summer months.
• Kiwi plants flower and fruit on old wood.
• The female kiwi plants bear fruit within 3 – 5 years.