The first flower buds of the early kiwi varieties can be discovered in the second half of April; for the late varieties they appear from the beginning of May. About 4-6 weeks later you can admire the kiwi plant in full bloom.
When do kiwi buds appear and how does fertilization occur?
Kiwi buds appear in the second half of April for early varieties and from the beginning of May for late varieties. The flower buds form on the previous year's wood and they can be male or female flowers. Fertilization by male plants is required for fruit formation.
The buds are also known as eyes in fruit growing. A distinction is made depending on location and content
- Side or terminal buds,
- Leaf or flower buds.
The kiwi flower buds form on last year's wood. With some types of kiwi, you can tell from the number of buds whether they are male or female flowers. The male plants of Actinidia arguta usually form more than six flower buds per fruit shoot, while the female plants usually only have half as many buds. The male plants of Actinidia kolomikta can also be recognized by their white or pink leaf tips.
Male and female flowers
If the kiwi plant you bought as a female is blooming but not fruiting, then it is probably a male kiwi. The flowers of male and female kiwis can be easily distinguished. While the male flower only has yellow stamens in the middle, the female flower also contains the white style in the middle, around which yellow stamens are arranged.
Fertilization
Kiwis are dioecious plants. Only female plants can fruit. However, their flowers can only develop into fruits if a male plant, which is necessary for fertilization, also grows nearby. One male plant is enough to fertilize six to nine female bushes.
Many cultivars with hermaphrodite flowers are available commercially, e.g. B. Jenny or Issai, on which male and female organs unite in one flower. These are self-fertile and do not rely on pollinator plants. However, for better yields, it is recommended to plant a pollinator in the immediate vicinity, even with self-fertile varieties.
Tips & Tricks
The kiwi plants available in stores are refined and bloom in just 3-4 years.