Nothing is quite as satisfying in salad as a kiwi, that tart-sweet, fuzzy-skinned fruit from the faraway land of… wait for it… California.
That’s right. More often than not, the exotic kiwifruit at your local SoCal market is grown in the San Joaquin Valley. California is the leading US producer of kiwifruit, thanks to its benign Mediterranean climate.
Go figure! So then why don’t you, as a Southern California gardener and kiwi lover, consider growing your own? They’ll be ready for harvest within 3–5 years of planting.
Whence the Kiwi Fruit?
Kiwi fruit originated in the Yangtze River valley of China, where it flourished wild for centuries before cultivation began. Isabel Fraser, a Scottish-born missionary and educator, introduced the “Chinese gooseberry” to New Zealand in the early 1900s. Farmers later renamed the fruit “kiwi” after their national bird.
California began growing kiwi commercially in the 1970s, primarily in the Central Valley, and now accounts for about 95% of US kiwi fruit production.
A kiwi bird. Do you see the resemblance? Eat the fruit, not the bird!
Best Varieties for Southern California
Most kiwi varieties need 150-300 chill hours below 45°F during winter dormancy. California coastal and inland valleys typically provide adequate chilling.
- Hayward remains the most popular variety. It produces large, sweet fruits with classic kiwi flavor and excellent storage qualities. Hayward vines are vigorous growers that adapt well to SoCal conditions.
- Hardy kiwi varieties like Anna, Arctic Beauty, and Issai work exceptionally well in Southern California. These develop smooth-skinned, grape-sized fruits that are sweeter than traditional kiwis. Hardy kiwis tolerate heat better and require less winter chill than Hayward.
- Golden kiwi varieties, like Golden Sunshine, offer a tropical flavor profile with less tartness than green varieties. When ripe, the flesh appears golden-yellow, and the skin is smoother than most other kiwis.
For pollination, plant male varieties like Matua or Tomuri. Positioned within 50 feet, one male plant can pollinate up to 8 females.
Golden kiwis have golden-yellow flesh and smoother skin than most other kiwis.
Mature Plant Size
Kiwi plants grow as vigorous vines rather than trees, reaching 15–30 feet long when mature. Without proper pruning and support, vines can spread 20 feet wide and climb up to 40 feet high on strong structures.
A mature plant’s trunk diameter typically reaches 6–8 inches. Vines develop extensive root systems that spread 6–10 feet from the main trunk, so plan adequate spacing between plants.
Annual growth can reach 10–15 feet on established vines, making regular pruning essential for a manageable size and optimal fruit production. Proper pruning keeps productive vines 6–8 feet tall on support structures.
Kiwi vines usually live 30–50 years in cultivation. They reach peak productivity at 8–10 years and can keep producing heavily for 30+ years.
Propagating Kiwi Vines
- Grafted plants offer the most reliable option for home gardeners. Purchase grafted vines from reputable nurseries to ensure variety authenticity and faster fruit production.
- Hardwood cuttings taken during dormancy offer another propagation method. Take 8-10-inch cuttings from healthy, mature wood and root them in well-draining potting mix during winter.
- Seed propagation requires patience, as seedlings take 5–7 years to produce fruit, and you won’t know the plant’s sex until flowering occurs. Seeds also may not produce fruit identical to the parent plant.
- Layering works well for established vines. Bend a low branch to soil level, cover with soil, and wait for roots to develop before severing it from the parent plant.
Issai kiwis grow exceptionally well in Southern California.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Light
- Kiwi vines require full sun exposure for optimal fruit production.
- Plant them in locations receiving 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Morning sun is crucial for drying dew and preventing fungal diseases.
- Partial shade reduces fruit production and delays ripening. However, afternoon shade can prevent sunburn on developing fruits in extremely hot inland areas.
Temperature
- Most varieties need 150-300 chill hours below 45°F during winter dormancy.
- California’s coastal and inland valleys typically provide adequate chilling.
Protect vines from frost damage during spring when new growth emerges. Young shoots are sensitive to temperatures below 32°F. Use frost cloth or overhead sprinklers for protection during late spring freezes.
Summer heat tolerance varies by variety. Hardy kiwis handle heat better than Hayward varieties, which may require shade cloth in desert regions where temperatures exceed 105°F regularly.
Young kiwi vines being trained on a trellis.
Soil
- Kiwis prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
- Kiwi vines cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions, which cause root rot and vine decline.
- Add organic compost to heavy clay soils to improve drainage.
- Sandy soils benefit from compost additions to increase water retention and nutrient availability.
A soil depth of 3–4 feet allows proper root development. Test drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water — it should drain within 24 hours.
Steps for Planting
- Plant in the fall or early spring when weather conditions are mild.
- Select a location with full sun and protection from strong winds. Install sturdy support structures before planting, as mature vines become quite heavy.
- Dig planting holes twice as wide as the root ball and slightly shallower than the pot depth. Kiwi vines like to be planted at the same depth they grew in containers.
- Space plants 10–15 feet apart along support structures to allow adequate air circulation.
- Install support systems with strong posts and heavy-gauge wire. T-post systems work well for home gardens, while commercial operations often use overhead pergola structures.
- Water thoroughly after planting and apply 3–4 inches of mulch around the base, keeping the mulch away from the trunk.
Clusters of kiwi fruit on the vine.
Kiwi Vine Care
Water
- Kiwi vines have high water requirements, needing 1–2 inches weekly during active growth.
- Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root development. Water slowly at the base of plants rather than overhead to prevent foliar diseases.
- Drip irrigation works exceptionally well for kiwi vines. Install emitters in a circle around each plant, extending to the drip line as vines mature.
- Reduce watering during winter dormancy, but don’t let the soil dry completely. Monitor soil moisture to 6–8 inches deep and water when the top few inches dry.
Fertilizer
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
- Organic options like composted manure, fish emulsion, and kelp meal provide slow-release nutrients.
- Apply compost annually around the base of vines.
- Nitrogen requirements are high during the growing season. Split applications work better than single heavy applications, which can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.
- Monitor plants for nutrient deficiencies. Yellow leaves may indicate nitrogen deficiency, while poor fruit development could signal phosphorus or potassium shortages.
A commercial kiwi farm. With support, kiwi vines can be pruned into tree-like shapes.
Pests & Diseases
- Scale insects are common pests on kiwi vines. To control them, monitor them regularly, and treat them with horticultural oil during the dormant season.
- Mites can become problematic during hot, dry weather. Maintain adequate moisture and use predatory mites for biological control.
- Bacterial canker poses the most serious disease threat to kiwi vines. Prevent through proper sanitation, avoiding overhead watering, and pruning during dry weather only.
- Root rot develops in poorly draining soils. To prevent this potentially fatal condition, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.
Harvesting Kiwi Fruit
- Kiwi fruits don’t ripen on the vine. Harvest indicators include slight softening at the stem end and a change from hard to slightly yielding texture. In Southern California, this typically occurs in October or November.
- Fruits should still feel firm when picked.
- Post-harvest ripening happens at room temperature over 7–10 days. Store harvested fruits with ripe apples or bananas to expose them to ethylene gas and accelerate ripening.
- Refrigerate ripe fruits and use them within 2–3 weeks for the best quality and flavor.
A ripe kiwi fruit sliced open.
FAQs: Growing Kiwi
Q: How long does it take for kiwi vines to produce fruit?
Grafted kiwi vines begin producing fruit in their third or fourth year after planting. Seed-grown plants take 5–7 years to reach productive maturity.
Q: Do I need both male and female plants?
Yes, most kiwi varieties require separate male and female plants for fruit production. When planted within 50 feet, one male plant can pollinate up to 8 female plants.
Q: How much space do kiwi vines need?
Plant kiwi vines 10–15 feet apart along support structures. Mature vines can spread 15–20 feet wide without pruning, so adequate spacing prevents overcrowding.
Q: When is the best time to prune kiwi vines?
Prune kiwi vines during winter dormancy, December through February in Southern California. Avoid pruning during active growth periods.
Kiwi fruit ready for harvest.
Q: Can kiwi vines grow in containers?
Dwarf or hardy kiwi varieties can grow in large containers (50+ gallons), but standard varieties like Hayward require in-ground planting due to their vigorous growth habits.
Q: What support structure works best for kiwi vines?
Sturdy T-post systems with heavy-gauge wire work well for home gardens. Commercial operations often favor overhead pergola structures to support the weight of mature, fruit-laden vines.
Q: Are kiwi vines deer-resistant?
No. Protect young plants with fencing or deer netting until the vines grow above browsing height, typically 6–8 feet tall.
Q: How do I know when kiwis are ready to harvest?
Harvest kiwis when they feel firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure at the stem end. Fruits will ripen off the vine at room temperature.