Kiwi fruit trees are woody, deciduous vines that belong to the Actinidia genus. A kiwi fruit tree is native to China, also known as the Chinese gooseberry. It is now grown in many parts of the world, including New Zealand, Italy, Chile, and California. It is known for its small, oval-shaped, hairy brown fruit with green or golden flesh and tiny black seeds.
Kiwi fruit is a good source of vitamin C and potassium and is also high in fibre. The fruit has a sweet, tart flavour. The tree is usually grown in temperate climates and needs well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It can take several years for a kiwi fruit tree to start producing fruit, but it can be a prolific producer once it starts. Pruning and training the vine encourages strong growth and maximises fruit production.
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See also: How to grow and care for Cocoa trees?
Kiwi fruit tree: Key facts
| Name | Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) |
| Common names | Kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry |
| Family | Actinidiaceae |
| Origin | Central and eastern China |
| Soil | Well-drained sandy loam soils |
| Temperature | 14-24 °C |
| Sunlight | 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day |
| Flowers | Small, greenish-white in colour |
| Leaves | Heart-shaped leaves, 3-4 inches in length, green colour |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Outdoor |
Kiwi fruit tree: Varieties and physical description
Kiwi fruit trees are woody, deciduous vines that grow up to 30 feet. They have hairy, brown bark and long, slender branches covered in small, heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are about 3–4 inches long and have a glossy green colour. The vines produce small, fragrant flowers that are greenish-white in colour and have five petals.
Insects pollinate the flowers, and after pollination, the vines produce small, oval-shaped fruits that are about the size of a chicken’s egg. The skin of the kiwi fruit is thin and brown; the flesh is green or golden and contains small, black seeds.
There are several varieties of kiwifruit, including:
Gold kiwifruit
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This variety has a smooth, gold-coloured exterior and sweet, tangy flesh. It is often larger and less tart than the green variety.
Hardy kiwifruit
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It is a new kiwifruit variety with a smooth, green exterior and white flesh. It is sweeter and less tart than other varieties.
Red kiwifruit
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This variety has red or pink flesh and a sweet, tropical flavour. It is similar in size to the green variety but has a smooth, brown exterior.
Fuzzy kiwifruit
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It is also known as the “hairy kiwifruit” or “kiwi berry,” a variety of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) with a fuzzy, brown exterior and bright green, sweet flesh. It is smaller and sweeter than the smooth-skinned kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) commonly sold in supermarkets.
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Kiwi fruit tree: How to grow the plant?
To grow a kiwi fruit tree, you will need a kiwi plant or cutting, well-draining soil and a sunny location. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Choose a location: Kiwifruit plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, along with well-draining soil. Heavy or clay-like soil should be amended with organic matter to improve drainage.
- Purchase a plant: You can buy kiwifruit plants from a nursery or online. Look for plants that are certified disease-free and have a strong root system.
- Plant the tree: Plant your kiwifruit tree in a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Water the plant well after planting.
- Prune the plant: Kiwifruit plants require pruning to encourage fruit production and maintain a manageable size. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, removing any dead or damaged branches and shaping the plant to the desired size and shape.
- Fertilise and water: Fertilise your kiwifruit plant every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser, such as a 10-10-10 formula. Water the plant regularly, providing enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Protect the plant: Kiwifruit plants are susceptible to pests and diseases, so you may need to take steps to protect your plant. Use organic or chemical controls for pests such as aphids and mites as needed. If you notice any signs of disease, such as yellowing leaves or wilting, treat the plant as soon as possible.
Kiwi fruit tree: Care tips
Kiwi fruit trees are relatively easy to care for but have specific requirements to thrive.
- Plant your kiwi tree in a sunny location with well-draining soil.
- Water your tree regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Fertilise your tree in the spring with a balanced fertiliser.
- Prune your tree regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
- Protect your tree from pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, mites, and scale insects.
- Harvest the fruit when it is ripe, usually in the fall.
Following these care tips can help your kiwi fruit tree grow and produce a bounty of sweet and delicious kiwi fruit.
Kiwi fruit tree: Benefits
Kiwi fruit trees have several benefits. Some of the benefits of growing kiwi fruit trees include the following:
- Nutritious fruit: Kiwi fruit is a good source of vitamins C and E, dietary fibre and antioxidants.
- Low maintenance: Once established, kiwi fruit trees are low maintenance and require minimal pruning.
- Long lifespan: Kiwi fruit trees can live for more than 50 years, making them a long-term investment for your garden.
- Attractive plant: With its attractive foliage and ornamental fruit, the kiwi fruit tree can be a visually pleasing addition to your garden.
- Versatility: Kiwi fruit can be eaten fresh, made into jams and jellies, or used as a topping for ice cream and other desserts.
- Good for the environment: Kiwi fruit trees produce oxygen and can help to purify the air in your garden. They are a good choice for attracting pollinators to the garden, which can help improve the ecosystem’s overall health.
Overall, growing a kiwi fruit tree can provide both practical and aesthetic benefits and be a rewarding experience for any gardener.
Health benefits of kiwi fruit and its tree
Kiwi fruit is known for its immense health benefits, as discussed below:
- Rich source of vitamins and minerals: Kiwi fruit contains vitamins C, E, and K, and potassium, magnesium, and fibre. These nutrients help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Promotes digestion: The fruit comprises a unique combination of enzymes, which improves digestion and reduce bloating and constipation. The presence of fibre content in kiwi fruit allows regular bowel movements and ensures a healthy digestive system.
- Boosts immunity: Kiwi fruit contains antioxidants and other phytochemicals, which boost immunity and protect against infections. Consumption of kiwi fruit regularly can aid in lowering the risk of colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
- Supports heart health: Kiwi fruit is good for heart health as it is low in saturated fat and cholesterol while it is high in fibre. It helps lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve cardiovascular health.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Kiwi fruit and its tree have compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the body, especially in treating chronic inflammatory conditions such as asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis.
Kiwi fruit tree: Toxicity
Kiwi fruit is not toxic. It is a nutritious and delicious fruit that is safe to eat. The skin of the kiwi fruit may irritate some people, so it is usually peeled before being eaten. The seeds of the kiwi fruit are also edible and are usually eaten along with the fruit.
However, if you have an allergy to kiwi fruit, you should avoid eating it. As with any food, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional if you have concerns about consuming a particular fruit.
Growing kiwi fruit tree in small spaces
If you have a limited space for your home garden, consider planting a dwarf kiwi variety such as Issai or Ken’s Red. These Kiwi plant varieties are smaller in size and produce smaller fruit, thus they are suited for small gardens or when growing in containers.
Kiwi vines are heavy and strong support must be given to them to grow properly. Install a trellis or an arbor to keep the plant upright. Choose a well-draining soil rich in nutrients. If the soil is heavy and clayey, add organic matter such as compost. The pH must be between 5.5 to 7.0. Regular pruning is needed to keep the kiwi plants manageable, especially when the space is limited. This also promotes fruit production. Kiwi vines can also be trained to grow in a specific direction or shape, such as a fan or espalier.
Harvesting and storing kiwi fruit at home
Kiwi fruit is ready to harvest when the fruit is firm to touch and its skin starts changing colour from green to brown. You can cut the fruit from the vine using a pair of shears. Leave a small stem attached. Do not pull the fruit off the vine as it can damage the plant.
Kiwi fruit is normally picked when it is still firm and it is left to ripen at room temperature. To allow ot to ripen faster, you can keep the fruit in a paper bag along with an apple or banana. This will allow ethylene gas to release aiding in faster ripening.
Once the kiwi fruits are ripe, you can keep them inside the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Avoid storing them with other fruits or vegetables, as it lets ethylene gas to release, spoiling the fruits faster.
FAQs
What is a kiwi fruit tree?
Kiwi fruit trees are woody, deciduous plants native to China and are grown for their edible fruit. The fruit is oval-shaped and has brown, fuzzy skin. Inside, it has green or yellow flesh with small black seeds. Kiwi fruit trees can grow up to 30 feet tall.
How do I plant a kiwi fruit tree?
Kiwi fruit trees should be planted in well-draining soil in a sunny location. They prefer a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and fill it with soil, gently tamping it down. Water the tree well.
How do I care for a kiwi fruit tree?
Kiwi fruit trees need regular watering, especially during dry spells. They also benefit from mulching, which helps retain moisture in the soil. Prune the tree annually to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree. Fertilise the tree in the spring with a balanced fertiliser.
When does a kiwi fruit tree bear fruit?
Kiwi fruit trees typically take 3-5 years to begin bearing fruit. Once they start producing, they can continue to bear fruit for 20–30 years.
Are kiwi fruit trees self-pollinating?
No, kiwi fruit trees are not self-pollinating. They need a male and a female plant to produce fruit. The male plant will produce pollen from the wind for the female plant's flowers. The female plant will then produce fruit.
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