Whether cut in slices, stars, or scooped with a spoon, kiwis taste delightful. Grow your own woody kiwi vine that can climb a trellis or fence. You just need a male and a female plant to produce fruit (or a self-pollinating variety). Having trouble choosing a variety? Read on to learn more about the different types and how to care for them.

Growing Kiwis

Most kiwis are dioecious, which means you will need a male and a female for your kiwi to bear fruit. One male plant is adequate to pollinate up to 8 female plants if it's centrally located. If planted in rows, a male can pollinate 3-4 females. Female plants produce fruit. Male plants do not produce fruit.

The Issai kiwi (Actinidia arguta) is an exception; it does not need a pollinator.

Kiwis are vigorous growers and need plenty of room. They can be trellised like grapes.

• Average mature height: 5-35 feet
• Fertilizer: 10-10-10 once a week during the spring
• Light: Full sun
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Soil: Plenty of water with well-draining soil. Keeping vines mulched with a 2-3 foot circle around the base will help.
• Zone: Each variety differs. See the chart below.

Selecting a Kiwi Variety

Female Varieties	Male Pollinators	Zone	Good to Know
Ananasnaja	Any male arguta	5-8 (400 chill hours)	Smooth skin Small, grape-sized fruit Hint of pineapple
Ken's Red	Any male arguta	5-8 (400 chill hours)	Small fruit about the size of a large grape Red fruit
Saanichton	Matua	7-9 (200 chill hours)	Large fruit Similar to supermarket variety
Vincent	Tomuri	8-9 (200 hours)	Medium fruit Ripens early
Issai (self-pollinating)	No pollinator needed	3-8 (400 hours)	Can fruit in the 2nd year Can be container- grown

Shop for kiwis at Wellspring Gardens.