What To Know
- Enter the hardy kiwi, a cold-hardy variety that can flourish in zones 4-8, bringing the taste of exotic fruit to colder regions.
- A sturdy fence can also serve as a support structure for your hardy kiwi vine.
- The fruit will be ready to harvest when it turns a deep green or red color, depending on the variety.
The allure of homegrown kiwi is undeniable, but the traditional kiwi vine requires a warm climate to thrive. Enter the hardy kiwi, a cold-hardy variety that can flourish in zones 4-8, bringing the taste of exotic fruit to colder regions. This blog post will guide you through the process of how to grow hardy kiwi, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your own sweet and tangy treats.
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step to a successful hardy kiwi garden is selecting the right variety. There are several popular options, each with its unique characteristics:
- ‘Ken’s Red’: This variety produces large, red-skinned fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor. It’s self-fertile, meaning you only need one plant to produce fruit.
- ‘Issai’: Known for its large, green-skinned fruit, ‘Issai’ is also self-fertile and offers a slightly tart taste.
- ‘Geneva’: This variety is a vigorous grower with large, green-skinned fruit. It’s a good choice for colder climates as it’s particularly cold-hardy.
- ‘Weiki’: This option is known for its smaller, green-skinned fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor. It’s a good choice for smaller gardens.
When choosing a variety, consider your climate, the size of your garden, and your personal taste preferences.
Planting Your Hardy Kiwi Vine
Once you’ve chosen your hardy kiwi variety, it’s time to plant it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose a sunny location: Hardy kiwi vines thrive in full sun, so select a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Prepare the soil: Hardy kiwi prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0-6.5). Amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting.
3. Dig a hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of your hardy kiwi vine.
4. Place the vine: Gently place the vine in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
5. Backfill the hole: Fill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets.
6. Water thoroughly: Water the newly planted vine deeply to settle the soil and encourage root growth.
Providing Support for Your Hardy Kiwi Vine
Hardy kiwi vines are vigorous growers and require strong support to climb. Here are some options:
- Trellis: A trellis provides a vertical structure for the vine to climb. You can purchase pre-made trellises or build your own using sturdy posts and wire.
- Fence: A sturdy fence can also serve as a support structure for your hardy kiwi vine.
- Arbor: An arbor is a decorative structure that can provide shade and support for your vine.
No matter which support system you choose, ensure it’s strong enough to withstand the weight of the vine as it grows.
Watering and Fertilizing Your Hardy Kiwi Vine
Hardy kiwi vines require regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water more frequently.
Fertilizing your hardy kiwi vine is also essential for healthy growth and fruit production. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring before new growth emerges. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients throughout the growing season.
Pruning Your Hardy Kiwi Vine
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of your hardy kiwi vine. Here’s a basic pruning guide:
- Winter pruning: Prune your hardy kiwi vine in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
- Summer pruning: During the summer, pinch back the tips of new growth to encourage bushier growth and more fruit production.
Harvesting Your Hardy Kiwi Fruit
Hardy kiwi fruit typically ripens in late summer or early fall. The fruit will be ready to harvest when it turns a deep green or red color, depending on the variety. You can test the ripeness by gently pressing on the fruit. If it gives slightly, it’s ready to harvest.
Once harvested, hardy kiwi fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. You can also use the fruit to make jams, jellies, or pies.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
Growing hardy kiwi is a rewarding experience, offering delicious fruit and a beautiful addition to your landscape. With proper care and attention, your hardy kiwi vine will provide you with years of enjoyment.
Top Questions Asked
1. How long does it take for a hardy kiwi vine to produce fruit?
Hardy kiwi vines typically start producing fruit after 3-5 years.
2. Can I grow hardy kiwi in a container?
Yes, you can grow hardy kiwi in a container, but it will need a large pot (at least 15 gallons) and regular fertilization.
3. What are some common pests and diseases that affect hardy kiwi vines?
Common pests include aphids, mites, and scale. Diseases include powdery mildew and leaf spot.
4. Are hardy kiwi vines invasive?
Hardy kiwi vines are not considered invasive. They are relatively easy to control with proper pruning.
5. Can I grow hardy kiwi from seed?
While you can grow hardy kiwi from seed, it’s a long process and the resulting plants may not be true to type. It’s best to purchase plants from a reputable nursery.
