KIWIS

These are a family of fast growing vines that produce edible fruit and are beautiful ornamental plants. Each type of kiwi we list has different ornamental foliage. The fruit of each type is different in size and appearance, but all have the bright green flesh and the wonderful kiwi flavor. All are hardy in the Pacific Northwest. If you live in a colder climate you can still grow the Arctic Beauty and the Arguta Hardy Kiwis. We offer sturdy 2-3' vines.

USEFUL FACTS

POLLINATION: All need a male and female to set fruit. One male can pollinate up to 8 females. The fuzzy kiwi male is the best pollinator and can pollinate the fuzzy or arguta kiwi female. The arguta male can pollinate the arguta or fuzzy female because bloom times partially overlap.  The kolomiktas bloom later.

HARDINESS: Our fuzzy female kiwis are hardy at least to about 5° F, the male to 10°F. Arguta Kiwis are hardy to -25° F. Arctic Beauty is hardy to -40° F. However, young leaves and shoots of all species can be damaged at temperatures below 31° F. Actively growing young plants can be protected by sprinkling or covering at night when frost threatens in spring.

SUN OR SHADE: Kiwis need a sunny location with wind protection. Arctic Beauty likes some shade.

PLANT SPACING: 15 to 20 ft. for Fuzzy and Argutas.  8 ft. for Kolomikta.

HARVEST & STORAGE: Kiwis usually ripen in October.  We pick them after the first frost. Picked while still hard, they can be stored for months in a refrigerator or cool dry area and put on the counter to soften.

ORIGIN: Native to Asia. Cultivated varieties of fuzzy kiwi were introduced from New Zealand. Cultivated varieties of hardy kiwi were introduced from Russia and Japan.

METHOD OF PROPAGATION: By cuttings.

LIFE EXPECTANCY OF PLANT: 50 years or more.

YEARS TO FIRST FRUIT: 2-5

PESTS & DISEASES: No significant problems.

YIELD: Mature fuzzy and arguta female vines on a trellis produce 25 pounds or more.

HOW TO GROW

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Kiwis can be grown in a wide variety of soils as long as they are well drained.

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS: Kiwi vines need support but are otherwise easy to grow. Because they are shallow rooted, summer irrigation is necessary. The plants leaf out early and late frosts can cause much loss of leaves, which in established plants are rapidly replaced. In California, overhead sprinkling is used to protect the fruit and foliage from frost. Wrapping the trunk from ground level, up about four feet, or planting it on the shaded side of its support, will protect it from splitting after spring or fall cold snaps. A foam pipe wrap works well. Any wrap that touches the vine needs to be removed in early spring. 

Fuzzy kiwis ripen successfully in warmer parts of the Northwest, as far north as Vancouver Island in British Columbia. They do best in a warm protected location. Hardy Kiwis should ripen in almost all areas of the United States where temperatures do not fall below -25°F. All kiwis should be protected from strong winds to avoid damage to the long canes.

Kiwis are vigorous vines. They cannot support their own weight and will spread up to 30 feet. They require strong support such as trellis, arbor, or fence. In nature, they grow up into trees. Training to the south side of a building is excellent for the small planting. Kiwi vines are heavy feeders and like their roots to be in warm soil. A mature kiwi vine can produce 200 pounds of fruit.

PRUNING: Kiwis require special training and pruning to produce good crops.  When planted, the vines should be pruned back to 4 or 5 buds. From these a main stem should be selected and staked to grow to the top of the arbor or trellis, usually 6-7’ high. The trellis should be strong to support the heavy future fruit loads. The "Tree Owner’s Manual" that comes with each order has more pruning info. 

HOW TO USE KIWIS

IN THE LANDSCAPE: Kiwis are beautiful vines. Their vigorous spring growth is a spectacular sight. Excellent for a privacy screen, they will rapidly cover a fence and with support will cover a wall or steep slope. Kiwis grow in a manner similar to grapes but more rapidly.

IN THE KITCHEN: They are very high in Vitamin C. (Ten times as much as lemons.) They are excellent for eating fresh and are a tasty addition to salads and desserts. Ice cream, pies, jam and wine are other ways to use kiwis.

I love fuzzy male kiwis, though clean shaven Australians can cause problems."

W.M., Hobart, Tasmania

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