How to grow kiwifruit
Overview
Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a deciduous, fast-growing vine grown for its fuzzy, egg-sized fruit. It requires a strong trellis or pergola and both a male and female plant for pollination.
Varieties
- Hayward — The standard commercial variety in Australia, producing large, sweet fruit with a long storage life.
- Tomuri — A common male pollinator for Hayward, flowering in mid-season.
Soil Preparation
Kiwifruit prefers deep, well-drained loam with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Enrich with compost or aged manure before planting. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged sites.
Growing Guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5. Space vines 3–5 m apart on a sturdy T-bar or pergola. Set male and female plants at a 1:6 ratio. Water deeply during dry spells, especially in the first two years.
Care
Feed with a balanced fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring and again after fruit set. Prune in winter to remove old wood and shape the vine; summer prune to control growth and improve light penetration.
Companion Planting
Plant with comfrey or clover as living mulch to feed the vine. Avoid planting near other heavy feeders like corn or squash that compete for water and nutrients.
Common Pests & Risks
Scale insects and two-spotted mite are common; control with horticultural oil in winter. Root rot from Phytophthora occurs in poorly drained soil; improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
Harvesting
Harvest kiwifruit from late autumn when the fruit yields slightly to pressure and the skin turns dull brown. Pick before heavy frost and ripen indoors at room temperature for 1–2 weeks.
In the Kitchen
Kiwifruit can be eaten fresh, sliced into salads, or used as a natural meat tenderiser. Store unripe fruit at room temperature; ripe fruit keeps 2–3 weeks in the fridge.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: often due to iron deficiency in alkaline soil; apply chelated iron. Brown leaf edges: caused by wind or salt spray; plant in a sheltered spot. Poor fruit set: lack of a male pollinator or cold spring; ensure a male vine is nearby. Fruit drop: inconsistent watering or overcropping; thin fruit and water evenly. Cracking: heavy rain after dry spell; mulch to buffer moisture.