SKU: 1443 3 Hardy Kiwi Plants- 2 Ananasnaya, and a Male Pollinator–all in 4" Cups

Key Features

• Growth Habit: Vigorous, deciduous climbing vine that twines around supports and requires a sturdy trellis, arbor, pergola, or fence.
• Bloom Color: Creamy white flowers with golden-yellow centers that bloom in late spring.
• Fragrance: Light, sweet fragrance that attracts bees and other beneficial pollinators.
• Fruit Flavor: Sweet, juicy, and tropical with flavors reminiscent of strawberry, melon, pineapple, and citrus. The tiny black seeds are edible.
• Culinary Uses: Excellent for fresh eating, fruit salads, smoothies, juices, desserts, jams, jellies, preserves, sorbets, baking, dehydrating, and garnishing beverages. Kiwi can also be used as a natural meat tenderizer due to the enzyme actinidin.
• Medicinal Uses: Kiwi is naturally rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, folate, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. The enzyme actinidin may aid digestion, and regular consumption supports overall health as part of a balanced diet.
• Possible Toxicity: The fruit is safe and nutritious for people. Some individuals, especially those with latex or birch pollen allergies, may experience allergic reactions. Kiwi vines are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, although consuming large amounts of foliage or unripe fruit may cause mild digestive upset.
• Wildlife & Pest Resistance: Flowers attract bees and beneficial pollinators. Ripening fruit may attract birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife if left unprotected. Generally resistant to most major pests and diseases, though aphids, spider mites, scale insects, and root rot can occur under poor growing conditions. Good air circulation and well-drained soil help prevent problems.
• Planting Zone: Hardy in USDA Zones 7–9 for Actinidia deliciosa. (Hardy kiwi species such as Actinidia arguta tolerate colder climates.)
• Sun Preferences: Full sun to partial shade. Best fruit production occurs with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established. Produces the highest-quality fruit with consistently moist, well-drained soil, especially during flowering and fruit development.
• Mature Size: Typically grows 20–30 feet long with a spread of 6–10 feet, depending on pruning and support.

When and How to Prune

• Prune annually during late winter while the vines are dormant, before buds begin to swell.
• Remove dead, damaged, weak, or tangled stems first.
• Thin older fruiting canes to encourage vigorous new shoots, as fruit develops on the current season's growth arising from one-year-old wood.
• Perform light summer pruning to control excessive growth, improve sunlight penetration, and increase air circulation.
• Train the main vines along a strong support system and tie new growth as needed to maintain an organized framework.

Planting Instructions (3.5-Inch Pot into the Ground)

1. Plant after the danger of frost has passed in spring, or in early fall in mild climates.
2. Select a location with fertile, organically rich, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
3. Install a sturdy trellis, arbor, pergola, or fence before planting to support the mature vine.
4. Dig a hole twice as wide as the 3.5-inch nursery pot and about the same depth.
5. Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently loosen any circling roots.
6. Position the root ball so the top sits level with the surrounding soil.
7. Backfill with native soil and gently firm around the roots.
8. Water deeply after planting.
9. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it several inches away from the stem to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
10. Space vines 10–15 feet apart. If planting traditional kiwi varieties, include at least one compatible male plant for every 6–8 female plants for reliable pollination.

Overwintering Steps

• Kiwi plants are hardy in USDA Zones 7–9, though cold hardiness varies by variety.
• Water deeply during dry autumn weather before the ground freezes.
• Apply a 2–4 inch layer of mulch around the root zone after the first frost to protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles.
• Young vines benefit from protection against severe winter winds and late spring frosts, which can damage flower buds and new growth.
• Delay major pruning until late winter while the vines remain dormant.
• Remove any winter-damaged stems in early spring before active growth resumes.
• Inspect trellises and support systems each winter and make repairs before vigorous spring growth begins.

Whether covering a pergola with lush green foliage or producing baskets of sweet, vitamin-rich fruit, Kiwi Plants are an exceptional addition to edible landscapes and home gardens. Their vigorous growth, fragrant spring blossoms, ornamental appeal, and delicious harvests make them a rewarding investment for gardeners seeking both beauty and productivity for years to come.