The kiwi fruits come to Germany from the subtropical regions. In the meantime, the cultivation of kiwis in local latitudes is no longer an exception for many garden owners. Good yields can be achieved with little effort.
Also known as the Chinese gooseberry, the kiwi is a thermophilic, deciduous, twining shrub with large, hairy leaves and yellowish-white flowers. The hardy shrub grows up to 10 meters high and can be grown in Germany without any problems. For successful cultivation, the following essential points must be observed:
- choose frost-resistant varieties,
- take into account regional climate conditions,
- sheltered location is necessary
- a south/south-west facing wall is best,
- slightly acidic soil and a layer of mulch are recommended,
- stable, high trellis, pergola or scaffolding make maintenance easier.
Propagate kiwi plants yourself
The experimental and patient gardener grows his kiwi plants himself from seeds or cuttings or offshoots. The cuttings are cut before they sprout in the spring; Offshoots can be grown from long shoots throughout the growing season.
The kiwi seeds should be watered before sowing to remove the pulp. They are light germinators and need constant warmth and humidity to germinate. The germination time is quite short at 2-3 weeks. However, plants grown from seed can take ten years or more before the first harvest.
What to look for when buying kiwi plants
If you want to harvest your own fruit as soon as possible, you can reach your goal faster with the purchased plants. These bear fruit after two to four years. The mini kiwifruit varieties are very robust and high-yielding. Their fruits are smaller and have a smooth skin that is eaten. In addition, you need at least one female and one male plant, which you plant at a maximum distance of four meters apart.
tips and tricks
The monoecious kiwi varieties have male and female flowers on one plant and therefore do not need another pollinator.
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