How to grow kiwis? Is breeding actinidia possible in our climate?

Kiwi, next to oranges, lemons, bananas, dates, pomegranates, mangoes and many others, is usually classified as an exotic fruit that comes to our tables from the warm countries of the South. 

And yet it turns out that kiwi (provided we provide the plant with the right conditions) can be grown in our own garden. It is true that it will not be exactly the kind of fruit we know from shops or traveling around the warmest corners of the world, but it is still worth it. 

Varieties of actinidia recommended for our climate are vines that produce kiwi, but in the mini version. The good news is that despite the small size of the fruit, they are still vitamin bombs (above all, they contain a lot of vitamin C), and the creeper itself is a beautiful decoration of any garden. So how do you grow kiwis? Let's check!

Polish kiwi - female and male seedlings

The key to success in growing kiwi is choosing the right seedlings of this vine. You need to know that kiwi is a dioecious plant - some form only female flower buds, others only male. Therefore, for Actinidia to have any chance of bearing fruit, you should invest in at least two seedlings, e.g. Actinidia Hayward or Ken's Red (female) and Atlas (male). 

Nevertheless, in our garden store there are also bisexual varieties, i.e. self-pollinating - Actinidia Issai () and Jenny.

Suitable conditions for growing kiwi

First of all, actinidia seedlings should be provided with a warm and well-sunlit position, if possible. The ideal soils for kiwi cultivation are fertile, light, well-drained soils with a pH of 5 to 6.5. As we are dealing with an effective-looking vine, it is best to focus on places such as terraces, pergolas and walls of buildings that are warmed by the sun's rays for most of the day. 

Before planting seedlings, preferably two or three years old, in the ground, mix it with compost, and finally sprinkle with pine bark. As far as the so-called minikiwi is able to survive both very high and very low temperatures, but it does not tolerate drought well. 

Therefore, it is extremely important, especially during hot days without rain, to water the creeper regularly. In addition, actinidia requires a systematic supply of fertilizer containing a lot of nitrogen. Finally, depending on whether the plant is to perform mainly an ornamental function or whether we care more about the fruit, it needs to be properly pruned.