Growing Kiwis in Zone 9: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Kiwis, once considered an exotic delicacy, can now be grown in your own backyard if you live in USDA zones 7 through 9. Growing kiwi in zone 9 is relatively easy, especially if you choose the right varieties and follow a few simple steps.
About Kiwi Vines
Kiwi vines (Actinidia deliciosa) are fast-growing deciduous vines that can reach heights of 30 feet or more. The leaves are rounded with reddish hairs on the leaf veins and petioles. The vines produce creamy white blossoms in midspring on one-year-old wood.
Kiwi plants are dioecious, meaning that they are either male or female. In order to produce fruit, you will need to plant both a male and female kiwi vine in close proximity. Most kiwi varieties require a period of about 200 to 225 days to ripen their fruit, making zone 9 an ideal climate for growing kiwis.
Zone 9 Kiwi Plants
There are several varieties of kiwi that are well-suited to zone 9. These include:
- A. deliciosa: The most common type of kiwi, also known as Chinese gooseberry. This semi-tropical vine grows in zones 7 through 9 and produces large, fuzzy fruit.
- A. chinensis: The fuzzy kiwi is a smaller variety that is also well-suited to zones 7 through 9. It produces medium-sized, fuzzy fruit.
- A. arguta: The hardy kiwifruit is native to Japan, Korea, and China. It can also be grown in zone 9 and produces small, smooth fruit that is similar to A. deliciosa in taste and appearance.
Planting Kiwi Vines
When planting kiwi vines, choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade. The soil should be rich, loamy, and well-draining. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the vine in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the vine deeply and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Pollinating Kiwi Vines
Since kiwi plants are dioecious, you will need to plant both a male and female vine in order to produce fruit. The male vine will produce pollen, while the female vine will produce fruit. Plant the vines 6 to 8 feet apart to ensure good pollination.
Caring for Kiwi Vines
Kiwi vines are relatively low-maintenance plants. They require regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Fertilize the vines in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the vines in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased wood.
Harvesting Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi fruit is typically ready to harvest in the fall, when the fruit is slightly soft to the touch. Cut the fruit from the vine with a sharp knife and store it in a cool, dark place. Kiwi fruit can be stored for several months.
Additional Tips
- Choose low-chill varieties of kiwi, such as ‘Vincent’ (female) and ‘Tomuri’ (male), which only require 200 chill hours.
- Plant kiwi vines in a protected location, such as against a south-facing wall or fence, to protect them from cold winds.
- Water the vines deeply and regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
- Fertilize the vines in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune the vines in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased wood.
- Harvest the kiwi fruit in the fall, when the fruit is slightly soft to the touch.
By following these tips, you can successfully grow kiwi vines and enjoy fresh, delicious kiwi fruit right from your own backyard.
