Kiwi
Kiwi is a newcomer to the Pacific Northwest, originating in China. The popular kiwi is a subtropical vine that grows up to 30 feet long and produces numerous fuzzy brown, berrylike fruit about the size of an egg. Willamette Valley growers have reported up to 200 pounds of fruit per vine. Vines are winterhardy to between 00° F and 100° F. The hardy kiwi is hardy to about -25° F.
Planting
- Kiwi is a dioecious plant. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. Intersperse one male plant to eight female plants.
- Vines bear at four years of age and reach full production at eight years of age.
- Select a sunny, well drained site protected from the wind.
- Space plants 15 to 20 feet apart within the trellis system.
- Trellis supports should be 4" X 4" and cross arms 2" X 6" with 12-gauge wire.
- Fruit is only borne on current season's wood coming only from one year old wood. These laterals must be renewed every two to three years. Vigorous pruning is needed.
Further Information
Written by Jim Kropf, WSU Area Extension Agent, King/Pierce Counties
Reviewed 1997.
Link updates 19 August, 2004, Dave Pehling
