Kiwi is a popular exotic fruit known for its sweet yet tangy flavor. Many plant enthusiasts have learned to grow kiwi at home. Below, we will explore the key aspects of growing kiwi from seeds, including planting and care instructions.
Preparing Kiwi Seeds
To obtain seeds for planting, you can simply extract them from the pulp of a ripe and healthy fruit.
Planting Kiwi Seeds
Before planting, the seeds must be germinated. It is best to start this process in early spring. Choose a ripe kiwi with clean, healthy skin. Wash the fruit thoroughly, cut it into pieces, and extract the pulp. Mash the pulp gently with a spoon and soak it in water. Over time, the pulp will soften, and the seeds will begin to separate. Mature seeds will float to the surface. Remove them, place them on a napkin, and allow them to dry.
Once dry, place the seeds on a plate covered with a damp gauze or cloth, and wrap it in plastic film. Typically, sprouts will appear within a few weeks.
For planting, choose a shallow pot or container. Line the bottom with a material that allows airflow and water drainage, such as expanded clay. Fill the remaining space with soil. You can use store-bought potting soil or prepare your own mix by combining equal parts of peat and sand. Plant the germinated seeds in moist soil at a depth of up to 5 mm.
Handle the seedlings carefully as they are very fragile and may break if mishandled. Without sprouts, germination will not occur.
After planting, mist the soil with water. Cover the pots with plastic wrap or glass and place them in a warm, well-lit area. Once the seedlings emerge, remove the cover. Regularly mist the soil, as insufficient moisture will hinder growth. Weak or underdeveloped seedlings should be removed immediately, as they will not grow into healthy plants. Once two sturdy leaves appear, transplant the seedlings into individual pots.
Caring for Kiwi Plants
Caring for kiwi at home requires adherence to specific rules. Seedlings need regular but moderate watering. Kiwi plants are sensitive to both over-drying and overwatering, which can cause waterlogging around the roots. During winter, water the plant twice a month. During the growing season, water every two days. During hot weather, drought, or when heating systems are active, mist the leaves periodically with a spray bottle.
Kiwi plants thrive in warm conditions and good lighting. Place young plants on windowsills facing east or west. If natural light is insufficient, use artificial lighting.
Fertilizing Kiwi
Healthy and abundant fruiting requires timely fertilization. Kiwi plants respond well to compost. If you follow all planting and care guidelines, your kiwi plant will be ready to bear fruit in about four years.
Soil
Kiwi bushes grow well in soil mixes containing black soil, peat, and sand. Keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering. Before planting seedlings, sterilize the soil. You can also enrich it with crushed eggshells or lightly sprinkle it with wood ash.
Lighting
As mentioned earlier, kiwi requires ample light. Place the pots on the south-facing side of the building. During midday, to prevent leaf burns, move the pots away from direct sunlight or shield them with a light curtain.
Watering and Humidity
Kiwi plants prefer generous watering, but excess water in the tray should be drained. If the air indoors is warm and dry, mist the leaves regularly. During winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
Feeding
Actively growing plants need regular feeding several times a month. Both mineral and organic fertilizers are suitable. Vermicompost is an excellent option. Distribute it evenly in a shallow trench around the pot and cover it with a layer of soil. With each watering, the plant will absorb nutrients released from the decomposing compost.
Pruning
In autumn, prune the fruiting bushes to remove old branches and leaves. This procedure promotes the growth of new shoots in spring and improves yield.
Flowering
A healthy kiwi plant will bloom for the first time about four years after planting. The stems will develop large, white blossoms that gradually turn yellow. Kiwi plants can have either female flowers with pistils and stamens or male flowers with only stamens.
If your kiwi plant is male, graft a branch from a female plant to increase fruit production.
Pests and Diseases
Kiwi plants are resistant to diseases and pests, but improper care can make them vulnerable to fungal infections, which can damage the entire plant. Infections often spread to kiwi plants from neighboring flowers or fruit trees. Regularly inspect your kiwi for signs of disease or stress. If issues are detected, identify the cause and address it promptly. Insect infestations can be treated with insecticides, while fungal infections require fungicides.
Growing beautiful, fruit-bearing kiwi at home is entirely achievable with proper care and the right conditions.