The kiwi plant grows in the subtropical regions of New Zealand, Asia, America and southern Europe. The climbing, hardy shrub is also becoming increasingly popular in Germany. Good yields can also be achieved in this country without extensive care.
How do you successfully grow a kiwi tree?
To successfully grow a kiwi tree, choose a frost-resistant variety, plant it in a south or southwest location, and use a sturdy trellis. For purchased plants, the first harvest is around the 3rd month. Year of standing possible; for home-grown ones it can take up to ten years.
The kiwi bush grows up to 10 meters high, feels comfortable in a sunny, protected location, but can also tolerate light frosts. It has large, hairy leaves, yellowish white flowers, which later develop into oval, brown, hairy fruits. For successful cultivation in local latitudes, you should consider the following essential points:
- choose the variety that is sufficiently frost-resistant for your region,
- plant the shrub in a south or south-west location,
- Give the shrub the necessary support with a stable climbing aid.
The purchased kiwi plant
You can find a large selection of kiwi varieties in specialist stores. Depending on the age of the plant you buy, you can expect the first fruits in around the third year. Provided you have planted at least one female and one male kiwi.
The monoecious varieties, which do not require a pollinator, are also available. The easy-care mini kiwis are also popular, as they bear smaller fruits but are more robust and productive than their larger relatives. The peel of the small fruits is smooth and can be eaten.
The home-grown kiwi plant
If you are not afraid of the effort, you can grow your kiwi bush yourself from seeds or cuttings or offshoots. The cuttings are cut in spring before budding; The cuttings are taken during the growing season, preferably in spring or summer.
The seeds of a commercially available kiwi fruit can be sown under home conditions without any problems. The only thing to note is that the seeds germinate in light. Constant heat and humidity, possibly using an indoor greenhouse (€24.00 on Amazon), ensure that the seeds germinate after about 2 weeks.
Tips & Tricks
It could take up to ten years for home-grown kiwi plants to reach their first harvest. So if you're in a bit of a hurry with the fruits, you're better off with young plants from the garden center.
