Kiwi is an exotic vine that can be successfully grown at home or in the garden. Contrary to popular belief, this fruit does not require an exclusively tropical climate, and with proper care it grows well even in regions with moderate temperatures. The main thing is to create the right conditions, choose a suitable variety, and provide the plant with enough warmth and light. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the process of growing kiwi, from planting seeds or cuttings to harvesting.
Kiwi can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or seedlings. Each method has its own characteristics.
Growing from seed is the longest method, but it allows you to obtain a large number of seedlings. However, when propagated this way, varietal characteristics may not be preserved.
Propagation by cuttings is a faster and more reliable method, in which the plant retains the qualities of the parent plant.
Growing from seedlings is the best option for those who want to get a harvest sooner, since seedlings begin to bear fruit in as little as 3–4 years.
There are several popular kiwi varieties:
Actinidia deliciosa is the classic kiwi with large fruits and fuzzy skin.
Actinidia arguta (mini kiwi, or cocktail kiwi) has smooth fruits that can be eaten together with the skin, and the plant itself is more frost-resistant.
Actinidia kolomikta can tolerate frosts down to -30°C, although its fruits are smaller.
First, you need to choose a ripe fruit. The seeds are removed, washed free of pulp, and soaked in warm water for a day. Then the seeds are stratified: they are placed in a moist napkin, covered with film, and kept in the refrigerator for 2–3 weeks. This imitates the winter period and helps the seeds germinate.
After stratification, the seeds are planted in a light substrate made of peat, sand, and garden soil. The planting depth should be no more than 5 mm. The soil is regularly moistened, and the container is kept in a warm place at a temperature of 22–25°C. The first seedlings appear in 2–3 weeks.
For propagation by cuttings, take one-year-old shoots 15–20 cm long with 2–3 buds. The lower cut is made at an angle, and the upper cut is straight. The cuttings are soaked in a rooting stimulant for 12–24 hours, then planted in a loose substrate, burying them to a depth of 5 cm.
Planting is done in spring or summer, with greenhouse-like conditions provided by covering the cuttings with film or a jar. The first roots will appear in 2–3 weeks.
Kiwi is a light-loving plant that needs at least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day. The best place for growing it is the southern side of the garden or a bright windowsill if grown indoors.
Kiwi prefers moderate moisture. The plant is watered 2–3 times a week depending on the weather. It is important to avoid stagnant water, since the roots may rot.
In spring and summer, kiwi requires regular feeding:
Nitrogen fertilizers are applied at the beginning of spring to stimulate leaf growth.
Phosphorus-potassium fertilizers are used during flowering and fruiting.
Organic fertilizers such as compost and humus are added to strengthen the plant overall.
In autumn, feeding is stopped to prepare the plant for the winter period.
Kiwi is a vine, so it needs reliable support. For garden plants, metal or wooden trellises 2–3 meters high are the best choice.
To form a strong bush and obtain a good harvest, regular pruning is important:
In spring, weak and damaged shoots are removed.
In summer, formative pruning is done, leaving 5–6 main shoots.
In autumn, long shoots are shortened and old branches are removed.
Young plants are transplanted every 2–3 years into larger containers or to a permanent place in the garden. It is best to do this in spring.
Kiwi is a dioecious plant, which means that male and female plants are needed to obtain fruit. The sex of seedlings can only be determined after 3–5 years, when the first flowers appear.
If the plant is grown indoors, artificial pollination can be used by transferring pollen from a male flower to a female one with a brush.
The first fruits appear 4–5 years after planting. They ripen in autumn, when the skin becomes softer and the flesh sweeter.
Yellow leaves — lack of moisture or nutrients.
Solution: increase watering and apply fertilizer.
Fruit drop — lack of pollination.
Solution: carry out artificial pollination.
Slow growth — lack of light or low temperature.
Solution: move the plant to a warmer and brighter place.
Root rot — excess moisture.
Solution: reduce watering and improve drainage.
Growing kiwi is an engaging process that requires patience. With proper care, the plant will not only decorate a garden or room, but also reward you with delicious and healthy fruits. By choosing the right variety and creating the necessary conditions, you can enjoy an exotic harvest even in a moderate climate.
