Kiwi fruits are widely recognized for their numerous health benefits. The fruit of Actinidia arguta thrives on vines found in temperate regions. Each vine can yield hundreds of pounds of fruit, although it typically takes three to seven years for the plant to reach maturity.
To cultivate kiwi plants successfully, it is essential to have mild winters or extended periods without frost. In cooler climates, one can grow hardy kiwi varieties that have adapted well to such conditions, and these plants tend to thrive in these environments.
Overview
Scientific name Actinidia arguta
Common name Kiwi fruit
Plant Fruit plant
Sun required Full Sun or Partial shade
Soil Fertile, well-drained soil
Soil pH 5.5-7.0
Harvest time September-October
Planting time Late autumn to early spring
Zone 5-9
Growing Kiwi fruits
Soil and location
Kiwi vines flourish in full sunlight or partial shade, preferring fertile, well-drained soil with a pH level between 5.0 and 7.5.
Propagation
There are several straightforward methods for propagating new kiwi plants, including softwood cuttings, budding, seeds, or grafting. When propagating by seed, the resulting plants may differ significantly from the parent plants, making the other methods more reliable.
Pollination
Kiwi plants are dioecious, necessitating the presence of both male and female vines within a distance of approximately 40-50 feet for effective pollination. A single male vine can pollinate multiple female vines. Alternatively, hand pollination can be employed, which involves rubbing the pollen from a male flower onto a female flower.
Fertilizer
It is advisable to provide slow-release fertilizers to kiwi plants, as their roots are sensitive to excessive fertilization. An all-purpose slow-release fertilizer should be applied at the time of planting, followed by additional feeding in early spring and after flowering has concluded in the summer. Organic manure is also a beneficial option for optimal results.
Watering
During the growing season, kiwi plants require substantial amounts of water, but the soil must remain well-drained. Regular watering is necessary during the summer or dry periods to prevent stress on the plants. Continuous stress can lead to leaf damage, characterized by browning at the edges.
Growing kiwi from seed
- Remove the seeds from the mature Kiwi fruits.
- Put Kiwi seeds and water in a small bowl so that the sticky membrane from the seeds separates from the surface.
- Use the colander and wash the seed thoroughly.
- Place the seeds on a paper towel, and put them in a zippy plastic bag.
- Keep this packet in a warm place.
- Regularly check this until the seed sprouts. Keep in mind that paper towels are moist all the time, if not, then mildly mist.
- According to the germination, bind them in small pieces, and plant a couple of the sprouted seedlings in the small containers.
Kiwi plants Care
- In the late winter, keep the content of organic manure or well-rotted manure fertilizers on the plants on all sides. Keep it a little distance from the stem, which does not come in contact with the stem, otherwise, it can cause plant rot.
- Feed your plant general-purpose fertilizer at the beginning of spring.
- During the growing season, give water in the required amount to maintain moisture in the soil. Give regular water to the hot dry season or water two or three times per week.
- To control pests, a pesticide soap can be used during the growing season.
- Train the vines with a strong fence or trellis for best production.
Take special care of these things
- Dig a big hole for planting, in which the root can easily be adjusted. Kelp meal and slow-speed fertilizer can be combined with soil in the planting hole.
- Potted plants should be planted carefully so that roots do not get disturbed.
- Kiwi vines should be separated 10 feet apart, they should be trained to grow in the opposite direction. In addition to pollination, male and female plants can be up to 35 feet apart for pollination. Flowers are pollinated by bees but can provide the nectar for attraction. when your vine has flowers, so it is best to remove competing flowers around the vines. Read more.
Pruning
Pruning the kiwi vine is the most challenging task. Cut the vines short with the help of a sharp knife; in winter when the plant remains dormant, it can be pruned 2-3 times in the summer season. You can leave any branches that bore fruit in the previous season.
In the summer, you can prune any long and droopy vines that will not produce fruit. You can also remove non-flowering vines.
Harvesting
Generally, mature (in the ripening stage) kiwi fruits should be harvest before the first frost. Place these fruits in the basket with other ripe fruits, this fruit will ripen in a few weeks. In the fridge, you can store it in a pierced plastic bag for up to three months.
Pests and diseases of Kiwi fruit
Root rot is a common disease of kiwi plants, which causes more soggy soil To get rid of, there should be better drainage in the soil. Botrytis fruit rot is also called gray mold, due to which the mature kiwi fruit becomes soft and shrinks, it is most visible on the edge of the stem. This is the most common disease during the period of high humidity.
Occasionally these plants become troubled by a bacterial disease. There is no chemical use to avoid this. Protect the vines from injuries. Yellow and brown petals, and spots on buds are the symptoms of bacterial blight, which is a disease and enters the plant through injured vines.
You can use a fungicide for fungal diseases, but it is effective in the beginning, it becomes difficult to control bacterial diseases when the problem is high. Read more.
Health benefits of Kiwi fruits
Kiwi is a powerhouse of many vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, and vitamin C, and essential minerals like zinc, potassium, sodium, copper, magnesium, calcium, and iron, not only this it contains an ample amount of anti-oxidants, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties also.
One kiwi per day helps
Boosts immunity• Reduces stress, Bringing a natural glow to your skin• Prevents hair loss• Increases blood platelets and RBC’s, Improves eyesight• Cures heart problems• Cures kidney stone• Lowers blood pressure• Reduces bad cholesterol• Improves digestion • Induces sleep• Cure stomach related problems• Helps in children growth• Helps to develop a strong and healthy fetus• Increase platelets • Fight bacteria causing viral fever and dengue fever. Read more.
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