Kiwi is a vigorous vine that quickly grows out of control if not grown on a solid supporting structure and pruned regularly. Proper pruning not only controls the size of the plant, but also increases the yield, so knowing how to cut a kiwi vine is an essential part of growing kiwi fruit. Read more about kiwi plant care and pruning kiwi vine.
Kiwi Plant Care and Support
In addition to kiwi pruning, your vines will require additional kiwi plant care. Many kiwi vines die in the first year because the soil is too wet. Water deeply in the absence of rain, and allow the soil around the crown to dry out before watering again. Kiwi plants are sensitive to fertilizers, so use them in small amounts. Fertilize them the first year with a light scattering of fertilizer around the base of the plant monthly from spring until midsummer. After the first year, increase the amount slightly and fertilize every other month. Female kiwi plants produce fruit, but they need a male nearby to fertilize the flowers. Choose males and females of the same variety or cultivar because the vines have to come into flower at the same time. One male is sufficient for eight females. A good trellis for a kiwi vine is an essential part of kiwi plant care. An adequate support structure should look like an old-fashioned clothesline. You'll need at least two 4 to 6 inch (10-15 cm.) diameter posts, installed so that you have 6 feet (2 m.) of post above ground. Install the posts 15 to 18 feet (4.5-5.5 m.) apart. Top each post with a cross bar about 5 feet (1.5 m.) long. String three wires between the crossbars, one at the center and one at each end.
Pruning Kiwi Vine the First Year
Kiwi pruning and training begins when you plant the vine. For the first year, you should focus more on straight growth and a strong framework rather than how to cut a kiwi. Tie the vine loosely to the post and keep it growing straight upward. Don't allow it to twirl around the post. Remove all side branches until the vine reaches the top of the post. Cut out the top of the vine a few inches (8 cm.) below the top of the post and encourage side shoots that grow laterally along the wires. Winter is the best time for pruning kiwi vine side branches along the wires. Cut them back to a point where the stems are about 1/4 inch (6 mm.) in diameter. If the vine didn't form good side branches at the top, cut the main trunk back by about 2 feet (61 cm.) and try again next year.
How Do You Trim a Kiwi Plant After the First Year?
After the first year, focus on building strong lateral growth along the wires. Lead the branches near the top of the vine to the wires and fasten them in place every 18 to 24 inches (46-61 cm.). Cut the vine to keep it from extending beyond the wires. Remove shoots that are twisting around other shoots or taking off in the wrong direction.
-
Monkey Orchid Care: How To Grow This Fascinating SpeciesThe monkey orchid bears a remarkable resemblance to its namesake and, with a little know-how, can be successfully grown as a houseplant.
-
How To Grow Garden To Table: A Guide For Home CooksWhat could be better than a meal that comes directly from garden to table? Show off your gardening and culinary skills with the very freshest food.
-
Kiwiberry Care Guide – Learn About Kiwiberry Growing ConditionsLove kiwis but wish they didn't have the fuzzy, gritty skin? Enter the kiwiberry. Read on for more info about these weird little fruits.
-
Caring For Kiwi: How To Grow Hardy Red Kiwi FruitHardy Red kiwi produces grape-sized, fuzz-less fruit with an authentic kiwi flavor. For information on growing them, click the following article.
-
Tricolor Kiwi Information: How To Grow A Tricolor Kiwi PlantActinidia kolomikta is a hardy kiwi vine that is commonly known as tricolor kiwi plant because of its variegated foliage. Also known as arctic kiwi, it is one of the hardiest of the kiwi vines. For tips on growing tricolor kiwi, click this article.
-
Kiwi Plant Trimming: Pruning Mature Kiwi Vines In The GardenRegular pruning is an essential part of caring for kiwi vines. Kiwi vines left to their own devices quickly become a tangled mess. But pruning overgrown kiwi vines is also possible if you follow simple trimming steps. This article will help.
-
Fruit Companion Planting: Companion Planting Around Kiwi VinesCompanions for kiwi can help the plants grow more vigorously and fruit more prolifically. Not every plant is an ideal kiwi companion plants, though. What plants make the most ideal kiwi plant companions? Click this article to learn more.
-
Hardy Kiwi Diseases: How To Treat A Sick Kiwi PlantWhile the kiwi plant is tough and relatively easy to grow, it can fall prey to various kiwi plant diseases. You can learn more about the diseases of kiwi and their treatment in this article. Click here for more information.
-
Kiwi Leaves Turn Brown – Reasons For Kiwi Vines Turning Yellow Or BrownHealthy kiwi leaves are a brilliant green during the growing season, and you might well become worried when your kiwi leaves turn brown or you see yellowing kiwi plants. Click this article for information about steps to take when you see kiwi leaves turning yellow.
-
Pests Of Kiwi Vines: Information For Treating Kiwi BugsWhile kiwi plants are tough and relatively easy to grow, they can fall prey to various kiwi plant pests. Learn more about kiwi insects and tips for treating kiwi bugs in this article. Click here for additional information.
