Kiwi Fruit or ‘Chinese Gooseberry’
The Kiwi Fruit plant or Actinidia deliciosa, is the best known of the species and is a member of a group of shrubs and climbing vines that suit temperate regions. Originally from China, where Actinidia deliciosa (Chinese Gooseberry or Kiwi Fruit) is the national fruit, Actinidia are also grown as ornamental plants. Actinidia require a cool root run and sunshine above.
You will need at least two Kiwi fruit plants to produce fruit as they are is not bisexual. One male plant for up to 6 female plants is the accepted ratio. The female plants produce the fruit.
If you are looking for good fruit production you will need to set up a trellis system around 2m high, pruning is important for fruit production.
Kiwi Vines: Shade vs Fruit Production
- For Shade Only: You can plant just one vine—male or female. It will quickly cover structures and provide a lush summer canopy.
- For Fruit Production: Kiwi vines are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. You’ll need at least one of each for pollination and fruiting.
Structural Support: Kiwi vines are heavy and vigorous. Use a sturdy trellis, arbor, or pergola to support mature plants.
Best Planting Conditions
Kiwi vines thrive in a range of climates, especially temperate zones with mild winters and warm summers.
- Sunlight: Full sun is best. In cooler areas, choose a sheltered, north-facing position.
- Soil: Free-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils.
- Soil Prep: Before planting, dig in compost, aged cow manure or pelletised organic fertiliser. Allow 2–3 weeks before planting.
- Mulching: Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds—but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot.
When and How to Plant Kiwi Vines
- Best Planting Time: Late winter to early spring, once frost risk has passed.Watering: Water deeply after planting and keep soil moist through the first growing season.
- Feeding: Fertilise in early spring with a balanced organic fertiliser. Repeat lightly in summer. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which favour leaf growth over fruiting.
Best Varieties for the home garden
- Haywood – Very widely grown variety of the traditional green Kiwi Fruit, good flavour and productive.
- Bruno – Early Fruiting with elongated fruit
- Dexter – A good low chill variety for warmer climates
How to Train and Prune Kiwi Vines
Year 1: Establishing Structure
- Train a single central leader vertically up to the support.
- Remove lateral shoots to focus energy into strong trunk growth.
Year 2 Onwards: Building Framework
- Once the leader reaches the support, train side shoots (cordons) horizontally.
- These form the permanent structure from which fruiting canes grow.
Fruiting Canes
Side shoots (canes) grow from the cordons every 30 cm.
These bear flowers and fruit on new growth in the following season.
Winter Pruning (Essential)
Prune female vines in winter (dormant season) to remove spent fruiting canes and encourage new ones.
Male vines also benefit from winter shaping to stimulate fresh flower-bearing growth.
Summer Pruning (Maintenance)
Lightly prune to control vigour, remove overcrowded or tangled shoots, and improve sunlight penetration.
Extra Growing Tips
- Frost Protection: Young shoots are frost-sensitive. Use frost cloth or plant in protected spots in cold regions.
- Watering: Deep water during dry or hot spells. Drought stress reduces fruit set.
- Support: Vines become extremely heavy—ensure frames are robust and secure.
- Patience: Kiwi vines usually take 3–4 years to start fruiting, and up to 5 years for full production.
Kiwi Fruit FAQ
Do I need both male and female kiwi vines to get fruit?
Yes—except for self-fertile some varieties like ‘Issai’. Most kiwi vines need a compatible male to pollinate the female flowers and produce fruit.
How do I choose the right male for my female kiwi?
Match the flowering time and species. For example:
‘Tomuri’ male with ‘Hayward’ female (both A. deliciosa).
How long before I get fruit?
Expect your kiwi vine to start producing after 3–4 years. Full harvest potential is usually reached in year 5.