Hardy Kiwi

The PH of the soil should range between 5.5 to 6.8. The plants prefer a well-drained soil. If they are planted in clay soils, plant them on a 6" ridge so the excess water will not saturate the root system. A southeast slope is considered a good area to choose when planting kiwi because of early Spring frost. If the southeast side is not available, a well air drained site will work too. The fruiting shoots of the kiwi will start growing in the early part of Spring, about the same time peaches will bloom--so frost is always a danger. Kiwi is hardy to -25° F. If the primary shoot does freeze, a secondary shoot will appear and produce a crop, but the crop will be smaller. Transplant at the same depth it was growing in the nursery. A mulch over the root system approximately 2 to 3 inches deep will help weed control the first year, as well as, moisture conservation and insulation of plants from the cold temperatures. It's not necessary to mulch the plants every year. Ratio of kiwi plants is 1 male for 6 female plants.

The plants like all nutrients, but best of all, they like nitrogen, calcium, magnesium and potassium. DO NOT fertilize the kiwi after the fourth month before the normal fall frost date in your area. A balanced fertilizer should be used similar to 20-5-10. Calcium and magnesium can be applied by using dolomite lime if the elements are needed in the soil. A newly planted kiwi plant should receive 1/2 ounce of fertilizer per year, 1/4 ounce at planting time as topdress, and 1/4 ounce after 4 weeks of growing. Every year the amount of fertilizer should be doubled and 6 ounces should be the optimum amount given to a plant in 2 applications. Plants should be 10 feet apart.

Many methods are used for watering kiwi, overhead, drip or irri-drain can be used. Soils that hold moisture should be checked at a 2 to 3 inch depth, and if there is moisture DO NOT water. In sandy soils, the moisture should be checked in the first inch to 2 inches, and if moisture is present DO NOT water. It is best to starve the plants of water rather than to water too much. In the middle of the growing season it would be best for the plants to dry out more. This will harden the developing canes and condition them for the first fall frost and the winter. Never let the plants go through the fall in a too dry or too moist condition.

Prune the first year of planting. As new shoots grow to a height of 2 to 3 feet pinch the tips. This will harden the stem for the cold months. A new shoot will grow where you previously pinched and hopefully 1 month before normal frost that growth will be 12 to 18 inches. Pinch the tip off again. Harvest is in the fall just before apples. If fruit is allowed to stay on the vine during mild fall frosts it will tend to be sweeter.