The fuzzy kiwi, as known from the supermarket, is a subtropical liana and was long considered impossible to grow here. Yet in the mildest corners of the country, in wine-growing areas and against very sheltered walls, it now actually succeeds. Whoever has the space and the climate can harvest their own large kiwis, but must heed a few things on which growing otherwise fails.
Unlike its hardy little sister, the kiwiberry, the large kiwi is a diva: warmth-loving, sensitive to late frost, huge in growth and dependent on pollination. This article shows you honestly where it succeeds, what it needs and when you better reach for the more robust alternative.
Only in a wine-growing climate
The decisive point with the large kiwi is the climate. It comes from the subtropical mountain forests of China and needs a long, warm summer to ripen its fruit and a mild winter not to freeze. In the wine-growing areas of the upper Rhine, the Moselle or in sheltered city locations that can succeed, in rough, cold regions it cannot.
Even in the right place the late frost is the greatest danger. The kiwi sprouts relatively early, and a late frost in May can destroy the young shoots and flower buds, so the year's harvest fails. A very sheltered spot, classically against a warm south wall, is therefore a must. Whoever cannot offer these conditions rarely becomes happy with the large kiwi.
Male and female
As with sea buckthorn and the kiwiberry, the question of sex arises with the large kiwi too. Most varieties are dioecious: there are purely male and purely female plants, and only the female ones bear fruit. Without a male specimen nearby the finest female stays fruitless.
One male shrub suffices arithmetically for several females. At purchase the sexes are labelled, and for pollination the male must bloom at the same time as the females. There are now also self-fertile varieties like ‚Jenny' or ‚Solissimo' that bear without a partner, though often with lower yield. Whoever has room for only one plant reaches for such a self-fertile variety.
A liana for decades
The large kiwi is no plant for the balcony box but a mighty, woody liana that grows many metres long and becomes very heavy over the years. It needs a very sturdy, generous support, for instance a strong pergola, a robust wire trellis on the house wall or a purpose-built post frame. Delicate supports it simply tears down over time.
Site and frame first
Choose the warmest, most sheltered spot in the garden and build a very sturdy, large support before planting. The kiwi will claim it for decades.
Set male and female
Plant in spring, weeks 16 to 20, a male among your females, or choose a self-fertile variety. Watch for humus-rich, free-draining, not chalky soil.
Protect from late frost
Protect the growth on cold nights with fleece. The late frost is the greatest danger to the year's harvest.
Prune like a vine
Train and prune the kiwi similar to a grapevine: a horizontal framework of main shoots from which the fruiting shoots grow. An annual cut keeps it in shape and promotes yield.
Be patient
Reckon that the large kiwi bears for the first time only after a few years. Until then it builds its framework and roots.
Warm wine-growing climate, sheltered spot, male plus female and a very sturdy support. Only when all that fits is the large kiwi worthwhile. Otherwise the hardy kiwiberry is the better choice.
The core rule for the large kiwi
Frequently asked questions
Can you grow large kiwis in a cool climate?
Only in mild wine-growing areas and in very sheltered, warm spots. The large kiwi needs a long, warm summer and a mild winter. In rougher regions it is a gamble, there the hardy kiwiberry is the safe alternative.
Does the large kiwi need a male and a female plant?
Usually yes. The large kiwi is dioecious, only female plants bear fruit and need a male for pollination. One male suffices for several females. There are also self-fertile varieties for gardens with little space.
Why does my kiwi bear no fruit?
Common reasons are a missing pollinator plant, a too cool site, late-frost damage to the growth or a still too young plant. The large kiwi often bears only after a few years and only with enough warmth and pollination.
How big does a kiwi plant grow?
Very large. The large kiwi is a mighty, woody liana that grows many metres long and becomes very heavy over the years. It needs a sturdy, generous support like a strong pergola or a wire trellis that carries its weight permanently.
What is the difference between kiwi and kiwiberry?
The large kiwi bears the well-known fuzzy fruits but is warmth-loving and only moderately hardy. The kiwiberry bears grape-sized mini kiwis with edible skin, is very hardy and suitable for almost any garden, often self-fertile too.
