Crowhurst et al. / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Kiwi
Actinidia chinensis
EdibleMedicinal
Edible PartsFruit Leaves
Overview
The fuzzy brown kiwifruit and its smooth-skinned hardy cousin are vigorous vines that produce uniquely flavored, vitamin C-rich fruits. Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) is grape-sized and can be grown in climates as cold as zone 4, while standard kiwi needs milder conditions. Most kiwi varieties require both a male and female vine for pollination, and they need sturdy support — a mature vine can weigh hundreds of pounds.
Growing Conditions
LightPartial Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones6 — 9
Height7.5m
Spread3m
Growth HabitVine
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH5 — 6.5
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — May | Plant hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) in spring; needs male and female vine; zone 3+ |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Hardy kiwi: harvest when slightly soft; ripen indoors if frost threatens |
| Cold (1-2) | Prune | Mar — Mar | Prune in late winter; remove fruited canes; thin to 6-8 buds per lateral |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant hardy kiwi in spring; strong trellis required; fruits in 3-5 years |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Sep — Oct | Pick when fruit gives to gentle pressure; or pick firm and ripen indoors |
| Cool (3-4) | Prune | Feb — Mar | Winter prune; vigorous grower — prune heavily |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring; fuzzy kiwi (A. deliciosa) hardy to zone 7 |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Sep — Nov | Harvest before hard frost; fuzzy kiwi ripens Oct-Nov |
| Moderate (5-7) | Prune | Jan — Feb | Prune while dormant; also summer-prune vigorous shoots |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter; fuzzy kiwi thrives in zones 7-9 |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Oct — Dec | Harvest fuzzy kiwi in fall/early winter |
| Warm (8-9) | Prune | Dec — Jan (wraps) | Winter prune; summer tip back long shoots |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Jan — Feb | Plant in winter; needs protection from extreme heat |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Sep — Nov | Harvest when slightly soft; store in refrigerator |
Uses
Culinary
- Fresh eating — peel and slice or eat hardy kiwi whole
- Added to fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts
- Made into jam, wine, and dried fruit
Medicinal
- Exceptionally high in vitamin C — more than oranges
- Contains actinidin enzyme that aids protein digestion
- Rich in vitamin K, potassium, and folate
Other Uses
- Vigorous ornamental vine for arbors and pergolas
- Hardy kiwi offers cold-climate exotic fruit growing
