The kiwi is not yet a common plant in Mediterranean gardens and terraces. However, it adapts very well to our climate and its leaves offer great shade. You can plant three varieties Actinidia Delicious of hairy fruits, the Actinidia chinensiswith softer skin, and mini kiwis (Actinidia arguta).

Planting a kiwi combining male and female flowers

Most kiwi varieties are dioecious, so It needs a male and a female plant to reproduce.

It is best to plant males and females with a separation of three to four meters. You can only tell kiwis or their gender by looking at the flowers: the female ones have a white style in the middle of the stamens, while the male flowers only have yellow stamens in the middle.

Although there is some autogamous variety of kiwi (it does not need both sexes), pollination and fertilization between plants results in a higher yield. Most kiwi plants only bear fruit after three to five years. In the right location, a female plant can produce up to 70 kg of fruit.

When are kiwis planted?

To avoid being a victim of late frosts, do not plant kiwis before mid-May. The possible planting season extends until August.

What location does a kiwi need?

The kiwi originally comes from subtropical areas of China with mild winters and rainy summers. Therefore, as a plant it is only partially resistant, which makes it The kiwi is especially interesting for temperate wine-growing regions, in pergolas and other protected places.

In areas with harsher climates, winter protection is recommended. Late frosts after the plant has sprouted are especially damaging.

Outside regions with mild winters, a protected place in the garden or balcony in a south or southwest location, preferably on a wall or wall of the house, where the kiwis can still enjoy the warmth and late frosts cannot cause much damage.

What soil should you plant kiwis in?

Kiwis consume and evaporate a lot of water. Therefore, A nutritious soil that is slightly acidic and rich in humus is perfect. Sandy soil cannot store enough water. The plants are sensitive to lime and appreciate a good portion of rhododendron soil in the soil.

To plant in pots you should choose small varieties, which then They require between 40 and 50 liters of substrate and a trellis in the pot.

How to help the kiwi to climb

To give kiwi plants the necessary help to climb, it is recommended to install a stable trellis made of wire or wooden slats at a distance of 50 centimeters, which should start at a height of about 80 centimeters.

Since kiwis are climbing plants, Climbing aids such as trellises or pergolas are ideal for growing in the garden, balcony and terrace.

How to care for a kiwi tree after planting it?

It is advisable to mulch the soil after planting and water young kiwis well. Fertilize them in March with organic fertilizer and cover them with potting soil to maintain moisture for longer. Mineral fertilizers are taboo.

After flowering it is advisable to water a lot, otherwise kiwis tend to drop their fruits. A kiwi may need 15 liters a week and if it is hot, double that.

Uncut kiwi plants are reluctant to produce fruit. Starting from the third year, prune it twice a year: in August, cut off the annual shoots to six or eight leaves, and in early spring, cut off the branches with extracted fruits.

Kiwi harvest

To harvest kiwis, It is important to wait for the right moment when the berries reach full maturity.

Ripe kiwis have soft, juicy flesh and thin, edible skin. Large-fruited varieties usually offer higher yields and provide an abundant harvest of delicious kiwis.