Growing Kiwifruit: Cultural Information, Care & Varieties

Cultural Information

There are two main types of kiwi: fuzzy-skinned kiwi and hardy kiwi. While the fruit of both varieties looks similar, each offers a unique flavor experience. These fast-growing, twining vines are prized for their sweet, fruity taste reminiscent of melon, strawberries, and bananas. Fuzzy-skinned kiwi has a pleasantly tangy flavor that many find irresistible.

Kiwifruit prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil and will not thrive in our alkaline soils without soil amendments to lower the pH. There are several products that will lower the pH of your soil. The first one is gypsum and it can take up to five years for this product to lower the pH. The product we most often recommend is IFA's Bountiful Earth Humates along with Hi-Yield's Iron Plus or Ferti-lome GreenMaker.

Leaves are large and lush—5–8 inches long on fuzzy kiwi and slightly smaller on hardy varieties. The foliage is dark green on top, velvety white underneath, with new growth often showing a reddish fuzz.

Kiwifruit produces creamy-white, one- to one-and-a-half-inch flowers in spring. The fruit is egg-shaped, brown and fuzzy on the outside, and bright green inside. Hardy kiwi has smooth skin that is edible, while fuzzy-skinned kiwi is traditionally peeled.

Pollination is essential: All kiwi plants require a male pollenizer. A male kiwi’s sole purpose is to pollinate females, so you must have both male and female plants for fruit production.

Fertility & Soil Care

Kiwifruit responds exceptionally well to organic fertilizers such as:

• Natural Guard “All Purpose Plant Food”

• Hi-Yield "Iron Plus soil acidifier

Since kiwi will not thrive in alkaline soils, applying Hi-Yield “Iron Plus” three times per year is essential to lower soil alkalinity. Additionally, Cowgirl sterilized steer manure or O'dell's Chicken Compost are excellent options to promote healthy growth.

Pruning Directions

Prune in late fall or early spring when temperatures are above 32°F for at least six hours.

• Cut back to one or two main trunks.

• Remove any closely parallel or crossing branches.

• Fruit grows on wood one year or older, so remove wood older than three years.

• Shorten younger shoots, leaving 3–7 buds beyond last summer’s fruit.

• Prevent young shoots from wrapping around the trunk as they mature to maintain vine structure.

Planting Instructions

Follow the instructions in our planting guide (available free to customers). Proper planting ensures strong establishment and future fruiting.

Spacing and Pollination:

• Female Arguta: Requires 1 male per 8 females.

• Kolomika Kiwi: Requires a pollenizer (male plant) for fruit set.

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Recommended Varieties

Female Arguta

• Vigor: Vigorous

• Fruit Description: Smooth, edible skin; green flesh; smaller than fuzzy kiwi

• Flavor: Excellent

• Bloom Season: Mid-season

• Maturity Date: Early September

• Additional Notes: High in vitamin C; best when ripened on the vine; hardy to -20°F

Kolomika Kiwi

• Vigor: Vigorous

• Fruit Description: Brown-skinned with green flesh

• Flavor: Rich and flavorful

• Bloom Season: Mid-season

• Maturity Date: Mid-September

• Additional Notes: Variegated foliage; extremely hardy to -40°F