Home » Plants & Animals » Fruit Gardens » Growing Kiwis

Growing Kiwis

© Connie Krochmal

Originally, the kiwi may have been considered to be a tropical or sub-tropical plant in the U.S. That's still true for most of the ones you buy commercially. However, there are a number of hardy varieties that are suitable for colder climates in North America.

Because there are both hardy and tender varieties available, be sure and read the label in the pot or the catalog description before buying. These should list the hardiness zone. Often, the hardy ones can be grown as far north as New York and parts of Canada.

When buying kiwi plants, also pay attention to their chill requirements. For warm areas, choose only low chill ones, such as 'Vincent.'

Growing a kiwi vine is similar to caring for grapes since both require pruning and trellises for support. These perennial vines are perennial, and can reach 40 feet in length if left unpruned.

The fruits of the hardy kiwi are considerably smaller than the ones that are sold commercially in supermarkets. These home-grown ones will usually be about the size of a grape. In addition, those from hardy plants lack the fuzz one typically sees on the ones grown commercially.

Though it was true at one time that you needed to have both male and female plants for pollination, there are a few self-fertile varieties available. Just be sure you know which you are buying. 'Issai' is an example. If non-self fertile ones are grown, one male is needed for every six to nine female plants. Both must bloom at the same time. Most fruit plant catalogs will list suitable combinations.

Kiwi vines are very vigorous. These strong, sturdy vines require at least four horizontal supports on a trellis or arbor.

The plant is attractive enough to use as an ornamental. It has large heart shaped leaves and colorful red leaf stalks. During the spring, it produces lovely creamy white flowers, one inch wide. These have an intriguing fragrance.

Kiwi vines can serve various roles as ornamentals in the landscape. When trained on a trellis or arbor, it will provide shade for a porch or patio. It can also be used to hide fences and walls. Kiwi is suitable for training as an espalier.

The most ornamental variety of all is considered to be 'Arctic Beauty.' It has particularly beautiful foliage.

Depending on the age of the plant purchased, kiwis can take several years to produce fruits. Those propagated by grafting and cuttings take less time than do seedlings. The latter isn't recommended as they are too variable.

The copyright of the article Growing Kiwis in Fruit Gardens is owned by . Permission to republish Growing Kiwis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.