Taking care of your plants

OVERVIEW

A vigorous climbing fruit plant that needs a strong support and a sunny, sheltered position. It can take a little time to establish but can be very productive once settled. Kiwi fruits are great eaten fresh, added to fruit salads, or blended into smoothies.

• Vegetable type: Kiwi
• Key characteristic: Exotic-style fruits with refreshing sweet-tart flavour.
• Hardiness: Hardy (prefers a sheltered position).

PLANTING ADVICE

Plant in fertile, well-drained soil against a sunny wall or support. Best grown in the ground.

• Outdoor cultivation

Suitable for outdoor cultivation in full sun or light shade depending on variety.

• Greenhouse cultivation

Can be grown in a greenhouse for improved ripening in cooler regions.

CARE & HARVEST

Keep soil moist and weed free. Prune during the correct season to maintain shape and encourage fruiting. Thin heavy crops if needed to improve fruit size and quality. Remove fallen fruit to prevent pests and disease.

• Watering: Water young trees regularly during their first few years. Established trees usually cope well but may need watering in prolonged dry spells.
• Feeding: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertiliser and mulch annually with compost.
• Cutting and prunning: Prune during the correct season to maintain shape and promote fruiting.
• Harvesting: Harvest in late autumn before hard frost. Allow fruits to soften indoors before eating.
• Pest and diseases: Monitor regularly for pests and remove affected growth promptly. 

VERVE RECOMMENDS

• Harvest little and often to keep plants productive and performing at their best.