Cultivating Kiwifruit: A Guide
Kiwis, once known as Chinese gooseberries, are a popular fruit in the UK due to their delicious taste and health benefits. These vigorous growers can be planted to cover walls, fences, pergolas, or unsightly sheds, growing as climbing vines rather than trees.
The most widely grown kiwi worldwide is the 'Hayward' cultivar, producing large fruits. However, it needs a male pollination partner, making 'Atlas', another male cultivar, suitable for planting with 'Hayward' for cross-pollination.
For home gardeners, the best self-fertile, hardy kiwi varieties suitable for growing in the UK are 'Jenny' and 'Issai'. 'Jenny' is a deciduous climber known for being self-fertile and productive, producing full-sized kiwi fruits. On the other hand, 'Issai' (also known as kiwiberry) is a compact and smaller-fruited, self-fertile variety with smooth, edible skin. It produces bite-sized kiwi berries (~2 cm long) that are regarded as delicious and are easier to grow in cooler UK climates.
In addition to these popular varieties, there are newer options like 'Akai Kiseki' from Japan with a self-supporting vine habit that may be suitable for container growing in UK zone 7 or cooler, and a rare pink kiwi fruit that is hardy to Zone 5 and self-fertile, which could also be explored by UK growers seeking unusual varieties.
Kiwis need plenty of sunshine and warmth to grow, but they can tolerate some shade. They require well-drained soil to prevent fungal diseases such as honey fungus and root rot. Frost damage can be prevented by covering kiwis with horticultural fleece or hessian to protect the shoots in early spring.
Ripe kiwis can be stored in the fridge's crisper drawer for a few days longer than they would at room temperature. To harvest kiwis, pick the fruits in August and September and leave them to ripen off the vine for a few weeks before eating them. Unripe kiwi fruits can be stored in a cool place or in the fridge for up to three months. To ripen kiwis, leave them at room temperature.
When buying kiwi plants, it's important to ensure you're buying a variety suitable for growing in the UK, with 'Jenny', 'Hayward', and 'Tormuri' being ideal. Always check for signs of damage or disease before planting kiwi plants.
In summary, growing self-fertile kiwis in the UK can be a rewarding experience. With the right conditions and suitable varieties, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of these delicious fruits year after year.
Incorporating kiwi fruits into a home-and-garden lifestyle, one might consider planting self-fertile varieties like 'Jenny' or 'Issai' that thrive in the UK's cooler climate. These varieties, suitable for both container growing and direct planting, offer distinctive traits; 'Jenny', known for producing full-sized kiwi fruits, and 'Issai', with edible skin and bite-sized berries, are both hardy and productive.
