Easy and Fast Techniques for Planting and Growing Kiwi Fruit Trees That Bear Fruit Quickly

Easy and Fast Techniques for Planting and Growing Kiwi Fruit Trees That Bear Fruit Quickly

Kiwi fruit, with its sweet and tangy flavor, has become one of the most sought-after fruits in home gardens worldwide. Known for its high vitamin C content, antioxidants, and unique taste, kiwi fruit is not only delicious but also rewarding to grow. Many gardeners, however, hesitate to plant kiwi because they think it requires too much time before producing fruit. While it is true that kiwi vines usually take a few years to mature, there are easy and fast techniques that can help you establish kiwi fruit trees successfully and encourage them to bear fruit more quickly. With the right planting, care, and management, you can enjoy homegrown kiwis earlier than expected.

1. Choosing the Right Kiwi Variety

The first step in growing kiwi fruit quickly is selecting the proper variety. There are two main types of kiwis: fuzzy kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) and hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta).

• Fuzzy kiwi is the most common commercial type, producing the brown, fuzzy-skinned fruit you see in stores. It grows best in warmer regions with mild winters.
• Hardy kiwi, also called baby kiwi, has smooth edible skin and is more cold-tolerant. It matures faster than fuzzy kiwi and can start producing fruit in as little as 3–4 years.

For quicker results, many gardeners choose hardy kiwi or grafted kiwi vines, which can shave a year or two off the waiting period.

2. Propagating Kiwi Fruit Vines

There are three main methods for propagating kiwi plants:

• Seeds – While it is possible to grow kiwi from seeds, it is not the fastest method, since seed-grown vines may take 6–10 years to fruit.
• Cuttings – Propagating kiwi from cuttings is faster, producing true-to-type plants that bear earlier than seed-grown vines.
• Grafted vines – Buying grafted or tissue-cultured kiwi plants from a nursery is the fastest option. These plants are already developed and can produce fruit in just 2–3 years if well cared for.

For gardeners who want quick results, purchasing grafted male and female kiwi plants is the most efficient approach.

3. Preparing the Soil and Planting Site

Kiwi fruit trees are actually vigorous climbing vines, so they need both good soil and strong support. To ensure fast growth:

• Soil requirements: Kiwi prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Heavy clay or poorly drained soil should be improved with compost, sand, or organic matter.
• Sunlight: Plant your kiwi in a spot that gets at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily for maximum growth and early fruiting.
• Spacing: Kiwi vines grow vigorously, so allow at least 10–15 feet between plants.
• Trellis support: Before planting, build a strong trellis system similar to grapevines. A T-bar or pergola-style trellis works best. This helps the vine grow faster, supports heavy fruit, and makes harvesting easier.

4. Planting Technique

When planting kiwi vines:

1. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball.
2. Mix in compost or aged manure to enrich the soil.
3. Place the vine gently into the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
4. Water thoroughly after planting.
5. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

For faster fruiting, always plant at least one male vine for every six to eight female vines, since kiwi is dioecious (separate male and female plants). Without a male pollinator, the female vines will not produce fruit.

5. Watering and Fertilization for Faster Growth

Kiwi vines grow rapidly and need regular care:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drip irrigation works best for deep watering.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring to encourage vigorous growth. During the growing season, side-dress with compost or organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen and potassium. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can delay flowering.

6. Pruning for Quick Fruiting

Pruning is one of the most important techniques for getting kiwi vines to fruit early. Without pruning, vines grow wild and take longer to set fruit.

• First-year training: Focus on establishing a strong main trunk by tying it to the trellis.
• Second year: Train side branches (laterals) along the trellis wires. These laterals will eventually produce fruiting canes.
• Annual pruning: Kiwi fruit is produced on new wood that grows from one-year-old canes. Therefore, prune each winter by removing old canes and leaving healthy new ones.

Proper pruning directs the plant’s energy toward fruit production instead of excessive vine growth, helping it bear fruit earlier.

7. Pollination Techniques

Since kiwi vines need cross-pollination, ensuring good pollination speeds up fruit set. Bees and other insects are natural pollinators, but you can also use hand pollination for better results:

• Collect pollen from male flowers and brush it onto female flowers using a soft paintbrush.
• This method increases fruit set and can help the vines produce more fruit, especially in small gardens with limited male plants.

8. Protecting Kiwi Vines from Stress

Stress can delay fruiting, so it is important to maintain healthy vines:

• Frost protection: Young kiwi shoots are sensitive to frost. Use frost cloths or covers in early spring.
• Pest control: Kiwis are relatively pest-free, but aphids and scale insects may appear. Organic insecticidal soap works well for control.
• Disease prevention: Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Good air circulation around vines reduces fungal problems.

9. Harvesting Kiwi Fruit

Depending on the variety, kiwi fruit generally matures between 2–5 years after planting. Hardy kiwi varieties may fruit sooner. Harvesting is usually done in late autumn when the fruit is full-sized but still firm. You can store them at room temperature to ripen.

Conclusion

Growing kiwi fruit trees does not have to be a long and difficult process. By choosing the right variety, planting grafted vines, preparing rich soil, training the vines properly, and applying consistent care, you can enjoy a quicker harvest. Pruning, proper pollination, and maintaining vine health are key techniques that significantly speed up fruiting. With patience and these easy and fast methods, your garden can produce delicious, homegrown kiwis much sooner than you might expect.