How to grow Kiwifruit
Updated October 2026
Kiwifruit are vigorous vines that need a strong trellis and both a male and a female plant. Fuzzy kiwifruit, the grocery type, suits mild areas such as California and the warmest parts of the Pacific Northwest. Hardy kiwi, or kiwiberry, with grape-sized, smooth-skinned fruit, takes very cold winters and is the reliable choice for most of the North.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Kiwifruit
Where to plant
Plant kiwifruit in full sun, in deep, well-drained soil, sheltered from wind. They are prone to root rot, so drainage matters. Kiwis leaf out early, and Oregon State University warns that 30 minutes at 30°F or colder can badly damage new shoots, so avoid frost pockets and choose a warm, protected spot.
Female vines bear the fruit; male vines only provide pollen. Plant at least one male of the same species and with the same bloom time for up to about six females, unless a suitable male grows nearby.
- Northern and Southern California: fuzzy kiwifruit grows best in mild climates like California; plant dormant vines in winter. In Southern California choose a low-chill variety such as 'Vincent' with a male to match.
- The Gulf South: plant dormant vines in January or February, in a sheltered spot.
- The Pacific Northwest: hardy kiwi is the most reliable; fuzzy kiwifruit only in the warmest, most sheltered spots.
- The Mid-South, Mid-Atlantic and Southern Plains: fuzzy kiwifruit is marginal and late frosts kill new shoots; hardy kiwi is more reliable.
- The Northeast, Midwest and Mountain West: grow hardy kiwi. In the Northern Plains grow hardy kiwi in zone 4 or Actinidia kolomikta in zone 3; kolomikta is also the option in Alaska.
- Florida, most of Texas, the low desert and Hawaii: kiwifruit does not do well; consider muscadine grapes or passion fruit for the trellis instead.
Choosing a variety
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fuzzy kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) | The grocery kiwi, usually 'Hayward'. Needs a long, mild season; picked firm and ripened off the vine |
| Hardy kiwi or kiwiberry (A. arguta) | Grape-sized, smooth-skinned fruit that ripens on the vine; very cold hardy. Varieties include 'Ananasnaya' ('Anna') and 'Ken's Red'. 'Issai' is self-fertile but weaker |
| Arctic kiwi (A. kolomikta) | The hardiest type, grown mostly for its pink and white variegated leaves |
How to plant
- Build the trellis first: a substantial arbor or T-bar about head height. Mature vines can span 15 feet and carry up to 100 pounds of fruit.
- Plant dormant rooted cuttings 10 to 15 feet apart as soon as the soil can be worked in spring; plant potted vines after frost.
- Plant just deep enough to cover the roots, water in well, and train a single strong shoot up a stake to the top of the trellis to form the trunk.
- Label the male vines so you can tell them apart for pruning.
Watering and feeding
Give about 2 inches of water a week through the growing season, ideally by drip. Never let the roots sit in wet soil.
Kiwi roots burn easily, so feed cautiously. Penn State suggests no fertilizer in the planting year, then 2 ounces of a balanced fertilizer per plant in the second spring, increasing by 2 ounces a year to 8 ounces.
Pruning and care through the year
- Prune female vines hard while dormant, in winter; on mature vines remove about 70% of last season's growth. Late pruning causes heavy sap bleeding, which looks alarming but does not harm the vine.
- Prune male vines just after they bloom in early summer.
- Through summer, cut back long shoots to four to six leaves past the last flower, and remove water sprouts.
- When frost is forecast after bud break, cover vines with frost cloth before sunset and remove it once temperatures rise.
Harvesting
Hardy kiwi ripens on the vine from about mid-September to mid-October, unevenly. Pick fruit soft to eat at once, or firm with black seeds to keep in the refrigerator for a few weeks.
Fuzzy kiwifruit does not ripen on the vine. Pick in late October to early November while firm, once the seeds are black, and store at 32 to 40°F for months. Ripen small batches in a bag with apples or bananas.
Companion planting
Kiwis are huge, long-lived vines. Give them their own trellis away from trees and shrubs they could smother.
Good companions
- Comfrey A tough perennial that can grow at the edge of the bed and be cut for mulch.
- Nasturtium
- Marigold
Pests and diseases
Root rot from poor drainage and frost damage to new shoots are the most common problems in home gardens.
Pests to watch for
Diseases to watch for
Common questions
Why is my kiwi vine not fruiting?
Common reasons are no male vine nearby, a male that flowers at a different time, frost killing the flowers, or a vine that is simply too young. Hardy kiwis often take 5 to 9 years to bear.
Do I need a male and a female kiwi?
Yes, for nearly all varieties. One male of the same species can pollinate up to about six females. 'Issai' hardy kiwi is self-fertile but less vigorous.
What is the difference between hardy kiwi and fuzzy kiwi?
Hardy kiwi, or kiwiberry, has small, smooth-skinned fruit you eat whole, and vines that take very cold winters. Fuzzy kiwi is the larger grocery type and needs a mild climate.
When do I pick kiwifruit?
Hardy kiwi ripens on the vine in September and October; pick when soft. Fuzzy kiwi is picked firm in late fall, once the seeds are black, and ripened indoors.
When should I prune kiwi vines?
Prune female vines in winter while dormant, and male vines just after they flower. Summer trimming of long shoots keeps the vines under control.
Can I grow kiwifruit in Florida?
Usually not. Florida winters are too mild and summers too hot and humid. Muscadine grapes are a better choice for a trellis there.
Sources we checked: Oregon State University Extension: Grow kiwifruit at home with the right support and frost protection; Penn State Extension: Hardy Kiwi in the Home Fruit Planting.
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