How to Grow and Care for Hardy Kiwi

Plant Care

The Hardy Kiwi is a hardy, low-maintenance plant, but proper care is needed for it to grow and produce fruit successfully. If you give it the right kind of care, you can look forward to a crop of sweet, bite-size kiwis in late summer to early fall.

Light

The plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.. In fact, the greater the exposure to sunlight the better the fruit production. The vine should receive 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and fruit well.

Soil

This vine thrives in slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0) well-draining soils. It prefers loamy or sandy soils rich in organic matter such as compost. The plant hates heavy clay or waterlogging soil, which can cause root rot. Also, proper drainage is essential for healthy roots.

Watering

Hardy Kiwi likes regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Watering deeply at least once per week is important for the plant during dormant periods. It may require more frequent watering in summer. Be careful not to let the soil get too wet-- overwatering and/or bad drainage cause root rot.

Pruning

Pruning is important for keeping your Hardy Kiwi vine healthy, controlling its growth, and promoting fruiting. These vines can grow aggressively, and regular pruning helps keep them under control and ensures you get the best fruit production.

Prune the vine back to remove dead or damaged wood in late winter to early spring. You can trim back the vine to control its shape and keep the vine at a manageable size. Be sure to trim back any long, unruly tendrils that are growing away from the trellis or support structure. . Pruning then promotes new growth and helps the vine direct its energy toward fruit production.

For good fruiting, it’s also important to clear out any thickened places for air circulation and light penetration. That helps keep it disease free and more vigorous.

Propagating

You can propagate Hardy Kiwi by cuttings or layering.

• To propagate by cuttings, take a 4-6 inch length of a healthy, non-flowering vine in late summer or early fall. Strip the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in moist potting mix. Place the cutting in a warm and bright location and continue to keep the soil moist until roots develop.
• Choose a healthy vine for layering and bend it over and into the ground. Compost soil over that part of the vine, keeping the tip above the ground. Roots will develop at the buried portion after several weeks. Then you can separate and repot the new plant.

Growing in Pots

Hardy Kiwi can be grown in pots, making them perfect for space-challenged gardeners and patio gardeners. When container gardening, pick a big pot — at least 18 inches wide and deep enough to fit the plant’s long root system.

Choose a well-draining potting mix and make sure your container has holes in the bottom to prevent water from pooling. Potted Hardy Kiwi plants will require watering on a regular basis, particularly in the summer, and should be fertilized every couple of months with a balanced, slow release fertilizer.

Hardy Kiwi is a vining plant, so you’ll need some sort of vertical support system for the vine to grow upright. Be prepared to move your potted kiwi indoors during winter in colder regions or provide insulation around the pot to protect the roots from freezing.

Overwintering

Hardy Kiwi needs some protection in the winter months in colder climates but is relatively cold-hardy once established, withstanding temperatures down to -25°F (-31°C).

In autumn, cut the plant back to around 1-2 feet above the ground. Add a couple inches of mulch (such as straw or shredded leaves) around the base of the plant to help insulate the roots from freezing temps. If it is in a pot, it may become necessary to move it to a sheltered location or to wrap it in burlap to make sure the pot does not freeze.

Ensure the plant remains well-watered until the ground freezes, as it will still need moisture in the winter months.

Blooming

In spring to early summer, Hardy Kiwi vines produce clusters of small, fragrant white or greenish flowers. These flowers are self-pollinating, but you will get better fruit yields if you plant two or more plants (with male and female vines) to allow for cross-pollination.

If you have only one plant, ensure that you plant a male vine nearby to facilitate the pollination process.  The blooms last a day or two at a time, but after pollination, the plant will produce tons of fruit.

Common Issues

Although Hardy Kiwi is an inherently disease-resistant plant, a few issues can arise.

• One common issue is pest infestations, particularly from aphids or Japanese beetles. Control pests by spraying with insecticidal soap or by handpicking.
• Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot. Avoid overwatering to prevent this condition; make sure the soil drains well.
• And lastly, if the leaves of the plant are turning yellow or brown, then that could be a sign of nutrient deficiencies or overexposure to sunlight. Look for pest signs and alter the light levels or fertilizing schedule.

Summary

Hardy Kiwi is a great, low-maintenance vine that will bear you an abundant harvest in colder regions where tropical kiwis cannot live. Tough and producing delicious, bite-sized fruit, it's an ideal candidate for those looking to add an exotic flair to their garden. Whether in pots, on trellises, or as part of a vertical garden, this productive vine will provide sweet and tangy kiwis for years to come.