What To Know
- Melbourne’s temperate climate and fertile soil make it a perfect place to cultivate a variety of fruits, including the delicious and versatile kiwi.
- If you’re looking to add a touch of exotic flavour to your garden and enjoy the sweet reward of homegrown kiwi, this guide will walk you through the process of growing this unique fruit in Melbourne.
- An arbor can be a beautiful and functional support system for kiwi vines, creating a shaded area in your garden.
Melbourne’s temperate climate and fertile soil make it a perfect place to cultivate a variety of fruits, including the delicious and versatile kiwi. If you’re looking to add a touch of exotic flavour to your garden and enjoy the sweet reward of homegrown kiwi, this guide will walk you through the process of growing this unique fruit in Melbourne.
Choosing the Right Kiwi Variety
The first step in your kiwi-growing journey is selecting the right variety for your Melbourne garden. There are two main types of kiwi:
- Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta): These are smaller, fuzzless kiwis with a sweet and tangy flavour. They are more cold-hardy and easier to grow than their fuzzy counterparts.
- Fuzzy Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa): These are the classic kiwis you find in the supermarket, known for their fuzzy skin and tart flavour. They require a warmer climate and more care than hardy kiwis.
For Melbourne’s climate, hardy kiwis are generally a better choice. They are more adaptable to the cooler temperatures and can withstand the occasional frost. Popular hardy kiwi varieties include ‘Issai’, ‘Geneva’, and ‘Ken’s Red’.
Sunshine and Soil: The Perfect Kiwi Habitat
Kiwi vines thrive in full sun to partial shade. Aim for a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. If your soil is heavy or poorly drained, consider amending it with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
Planting Your Kiwi Vine: A New Beginning
Once you’ve chosen your variety and prepared your soil, it’s time to plant your kiwi vine. The best time to plant kiwi vines in Melbourne is during spring (September-November). Here’s how to plant:
1. Dig a hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of your kiwi vine.
2. Amend the soil: Mix in some compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Place the vine: Gently place the vine in the hole, ensuring the root ball is level with the ground.
4. Backfill the hole: Carefully fill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down around the roots.
5. Water thoroughly: Give your newly planted kiwi vine a good soak to help it settle in.
Support System: Helping Your Kiwi Climb
Kiwi vines are vigorous climbers, requiring a sturdy support system to grow. You can use a variety of structures, including:
- Trellis: A trellis is the most common support system for kiwi vines. It provides a vertical structure for the vines to climb and allows for easy access to the fruit.
- Fence: A sturdy fence can also be used as a support system.
- Arbor: An arbor can be a beautiful and functional support system for kiwi vines, creating a shaded area in your garden.
Pruning Your Kiwi Vine: Shaping for Success
Regular pruning is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of your kiwi vine. Here’s a basic pruning guide:
- Winter pruning: Prune your kiwi vine in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
- Summer pruning: During the summer, pinch back new growth to encourage bushier growth. Remove any suckers that grow from the base of the vine.
Fertilising Your Kiwi Vine: Nourishing for Growth
Kiwi vines are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilisation. Fertilise your vine in spring with a balanced fertiliser, such as a 10-10-10 formula. You can also use organic fertilisers like compost or manure.
Harvesting Your Kiwi Fruit: A Sweet Reward
Kiwi fruit will ripen on the vine in late autumn (March-April). You can tell if a kiwi is ripe by its softness and colour. Ripe kiwi fruit will be slightly soft to the touch and have a deep green or brown colour.
Time to Enjoy: From Garden to Plate
Once you’ve harvested your kiwi fruit, you can enjoy them fresh, add them to smoothies, or use them in baking. Kiwi fruit is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Success
- Pollination: Kiwi vines are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. To produce fruit, you’ll need at least one male plant for every 8-10 female plants.
- Pest and disease control: Kiwi vines are susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for aphids, mites, and fungal diseases.
- Winter protection: In colder areas, it’s important to protect your kiwi vine from frost damage. You can do this by wrapping the vine in burlap or other protective material.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: How much space do I need to grow a kiwi vine?
A: A single kiwi vine can grow up to 10 metres in length, so you’ll need at least 5 square metres of space.
Q: Can I grow kiwi vines in pots?
A: While it’s possible to grow kiwi vines in pots, they will need a very large pot (at least 50 gallons) and regular fertilisation.
Q: When is the best time to prune my kiwi vine?
A: The best time to prune your kiwi vine is in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Q: How long does it take for a kiwi vine to produce fruit?
A: It can take 3-5 years for a kiwi vine to start producing fruit.
Q: What are some common problems that can affect kiwi vines?
A: Common problems that can affect kiwi vines include aphids, mites, fungal diseases, and frost damage.
