How to Grow Kiwi

Growing guide

Overview

Kiwi is a vigorous, long-lived fruiting vine that produces sweet-tart fruit, but it requires patience and space. Hardy kiwis (Actinidia arguta) are the most cold-hardy and can be grown in zones 5a–9a, while fuzzy kiwis (A. deliciosa) need milder winters. You’ll need both male and female plants for pollination, a sturdy trellis, and regular pruning to keep growth in check.

Soil & planting prep

Plant kiwi in loamy, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Amend heavy clay with compost to improve drainage. Space vines 10–15 feet apart along a trellis, and set plants at the same depth they were in the nursery container.

When to plant

Plant kiwi vines in early spring, after the last frost date, when the soil has warmed and is workable. In mild-winter areas (zones 8–9), you can also plant in fall, but spring planting is safest in colder zones. Avoid planting until all danger of frost has passed, as young vines are frost-tender.

How to plant

1. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil and install a sturdy trellis (at least 6 feet tall) before planting.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and amend with compost if needed.
3. Set the vine in the hole at the same depth it was growing in the nursery pot, and backfill with soil.
4. Water thoroughly and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the stem.
5. Space plants 10–15 feet apart along the trellis, and plant one male for every 6–8 females for pollination.

5 common mistakes to avoid

• Planting only one kiwi vine: kiwi plants are dioecious, meaning you need both male and female vines for fruit, so always plant at least one male for every 6–8 females.
• Skipping a strong trellis: kiwi vines are extremely vigorous and can grow 20 feet or more in a season, so a flimsy support will collapse; install a sturdy trellis at planting time.
• Pruning at the wrong time: pruning in late winter or early spring can cause heavy sap bleed and weaken the vine; prune in summer to control growth and in winter to shape, but avoid pruning during active spring growth.
• Overwatering or poor drainage: kiwi roots rot in soggy soil, so plant in well-drained loam and water moderately, letting the soil dry slightly between waterings.
• Expecting fruit too soon: kiwi vines take 3–5 years (or up to 7) to bear fruit, so don’t be discouraged if you see no flowers in the first few years; be patient and keep up with pruning and training.

Harvesting & storage

Kiwi fruit is ready when it gives slightly to gentle pressure and the seeds turn black; for fuzzy kiwis, the skin turns brown and the fruit softens. Harvest by twisting the fruit off the vine, or cut the stem with pruners. Store firm fruit at room temperature to ripen, or refrigerate for up to several weeks.

Companion planting

Good companions for kiwi include legumes like clover or beans that fix nitrogen, and aromatic herbs such as basil or mint that may repel pests. Avoid planting near black walnut trees, which produce juglone that can stunt kiwi growth.

Growing in containers

Kiwi is not well-suited to containers because it is a large, vigorous vine that needs a sturdy trellis and plenty of root space; if you must try, use a 20-gallon container at minimum, but it will be challenging to provide adequate support and watering.

Pro tips

Plant one male for every 6-8 female vines on a strong trellis. Prune hard in winter and summer to control vigor. Hardy kiwis (Actinidia arguta) crop in 3-5 years.