The vigorous, twining kiwi shrub of the ray-pen family is a low-maintenance plant grown in many tropical climates. A variety of robust and frost-resistant varieties can also be successfully cultivated in the home garden.

Native to China, kiwi is a climbing, deciduous shrub. He likes it sunny, warm and sheltered from the wind, and is also quite frugal in terms of location and care. The large-fruited kiwi varieties are not hardy and can therefore only thrive in regions with mild winters. The small-fruited breeds are extremely hardy and high-yield, also in the regions north-east of the Rhine.

Do kiwi plants need a lot of water?

Kiwis don't like drought, but they don't tolerate waterlogging either. In midsummer, the plants need a lot of water. Good drainage is particularly important when keeping pots. From August, watering should be reduced to slow down further growth and encourage the shoots to become woody.

Should kiwis be fertilized?

If the soil is rich in nutrients and humus, no fertilizer is given in the first few years. Instead, a thick layer of mulch keeps the pH in the acidic range and prevents drying out. Older plants can be sparingly fertilized with lime-free fertilizer during the growth phase.

When and how is it cut?

Since kiwis tend to proliferate, they should be pruned regularly (possibly several times a year). Other pruning measures for kiwis:

  • Educational pruning of the main and side shoots on the trellis,
  • Fruit cuttings in late autumn after harvest on stubs of two to four buds,
  • Rejuvenation/rejuvenation pruning of older main shoots or frost damaged parts of the plant.

What pests or diseases are there?

The kiwi plants are not susceptible to pests or diseases. Mistakes in care can have a negative effect on fruit formation.

Do you have to overwinter kiwi shrubs frost-free?

The young kiwi bushes and the frost-sensitive varieties need winter protection or should be overwintered frost-free in the bucket in the first year. Hardy varieties planted on the house wall do not need winter protection.

tips and tricks

The undemanding kiwi plants can easily be transplanted or repotted from early spring to late autumn.

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