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 complex care.

The kiwi bush grows up to 10 meters high, feels good in a sunny, sheltered location, but also tolerates 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 exposure,
  • give the shrub the necessary support with a stable climbing aid.

The purchased kiwi plant

A large selection of kiwi varieties can be found in specialist shops. Depending on the age of the purchased plant, the first fruits can be expected around the 3rd year. Provided you have planted at least one female and one male kiwi.

Also available are the monoecious varieties, which do not require a pollinator variety. Also popular are the easy-care mini kiwis, which bear smaller fruits but are more robust and productive than their larger relatives. The skin of the small fruits is smooth and can be eaten.

The self-grown kiwi plant

If you don't mind the effort, you can grow your own kiwi fruit from seeds, cuttings or offshoots. The cuttings are cut in the spring before they sprout; the offshoots are raised during the growing season, preferably in spring or summer.

The seed of a commercial kiwi fruit can be sown under home conditions without any problems. It should only be noted that the seeds are light germs. Constant heat and humidity, possibly using an indoor greenhouse, will ensure that the seeds will germinate after about 2 weeks.

tips and tricks

It could take up to ten years for the home-grown kiwi plants to be harvested for the first time. If you are in a hurry with the fruit, you are better off with the young plants from the garden center.

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Category:

Vegetable garden