Kiwi Growing Guide
Actinidia deliciosa
![Kiwi]()
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil.
Position
Best grown trained against a sunny, sheltered north or west facing wall, or under cover in cooler climates. In warmer climates, kiwis thrive in full sun provided their roots receive midday shade.
Frost tolerant
Young shoots are vulnerable to frost damage in spring; may require protection.
Feeding
Mulch with well-rotted organic matter in late winter, and apply a balanced organic fertiliser in early spring, just as new growth emerges.
Companions
Kiwi vines are so vigorous that they dominate their space and require a sturdy trellis.
Spacing
Single Plants: 3.00m (9' 10") each way (minimum)
Rows: 3.00m (9' 10") with 3.00m (9' 10") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Add plenty of well-rotted organic matter when planting. Plant next to a strong trellis for support.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Most kiwi varieties require both male and female plants for successful pollination. One male plant can pollinate up to eight nearby females. Hardy kiwis produce smaller fruits, but are usually self fertile. Healthy kiwi vines will bear for ten years or more.
Harvesting
Pick before the first frosts and then ripen indoors if the fruit is not completely ripe.
Troubleshooting
Will only crop if they are planted in a warm enough position, and may suffer from dieback in cold winters. In Australia fruit fly are a pest of Kiwi, make sure to take appropriate control measures in areas where they are present. It is important to dispose of any infected fruit and fruit has fallen to the ground by placing them in a sealed plastic bag in the sun for at least 7 days to kill the eggs and larvae. Do not compost fruit as this will lead to the fruit fly completing their life cycle and lead to the problem recurring.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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