KiwiActinidia chinensis

Kiwi

Kiwis

1. golden kiwi
2. yellow kiwi
3. kiwi
4. kiwi fruit
5. Chinese gooseberry

1. golden kiwi
2. yellow kiwi
3. kiwi
4. kiwi fruit
5. Chinese gooseberry

1. NameKiwi

   Languagede

   Shared with

   1. Apteryx (Vogelgattung)

   Clarification

   The fruit of the plant, not the bird.

2. NameKiwi

   Languageen

   Shared with

   1. Apteryx (bird genus)

   Clarification

   The fruit of the plant, not the bird.

1. Actinidia chinensis
2. kiwi
3. kiwi fruit
4. golden kiwi
5. yellow kiwi
6. Chinese gooseberry
7. Chinese gooseberry fruit

1. Tracheophyta
2. Magnoliopsida

Kiwifruit family

1. Fruit

1. Taskwinter_protection_check

   Label

   Check winter protection

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 1

   ConditionBei Bedarf

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Ensure winter protection is intact and protects plants from severe frost.

1. Taskwinter_pruning

   Label

   Perform winter pruning

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 2

   ConditionBei etablierten Pflanzen

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Remove old and dead shoots to promote growth and fruit set.

2. Taskseed_stratification

   Label

   Prepare seeds for stratification

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 2

   ConditionBei Anzucht aus Samen

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Kiwi seeds require cold stratification to germinate.

1. Taskremove_winter_protection

   Label

   Remove winter protection

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionNach den letzten starken Frösten

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Gradually remove winter protection once severe frosts are no longer expected.

2. Taskfirst_fertilization

   Label

   First fertilization

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionFür etablierte Pflanzen

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Incorporate organic fertilizer or compost to stimulate growth.

1. Taskplant_out

   Label

   Plant out young plants

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionNach den Eisheiligen

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Ensure no late frosts are threatening. Provide ample space and support.

2. Taskinstall_support

   Label

   Install/check support structures

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionVor dem Austrieb

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Kiwis require sturdy support structures as they are vigorous growers.

3. Tasklate_frost_protection

   Label

   Watch out for late frosts

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4

   ConditionBesonders bei jungen Trieben und Blüten

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Young shoots and flowers are very frost-sensitive and should be protected if necessary.

1. Tasktie_up_shoots

   Label

   Tie shoots to support structures

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionRegelmäßig

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Gently tie new shoots to encourage good branching and light exposure.

2. Taskregular_watering

   Label

   Water regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5

   ConditionBei Trockenheit

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Consistent soil moisture is important, especially during bud break.

1. Tasksummer_pruning

   Label

   Perform summer pruning

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionNach dem Fruchtansatz

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Remove superfluous shoots and shorten fruit-bearing shoots to improve fruit quality.

2. Taskwatering_and_fertilizing

   Label

   Water and fertilize regularly

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 6

   ConditionWährend der Wachstumsphase

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Sufficient water and nutrient supply is crucial for fruit development.

1. Tasksummer_pruning_continue

   Label

   Continue summer pruning

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionBei Bedarf

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Continue to remove superfluous shoots and thin out the crown interior.

2. Taskguide_and_tie_shoots

   Label

   Guide and tie shoots

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 7

   ConditionRegelmäßig

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Guiding the shoots ensures good light exposure and facilitates harvesting.

1. Taskmonitor_fruit_development

   Label

   Monitor fruit development

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionRegelmäßig

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Watch for signs of diseases or pests and monitor ripening.

2. Taskensure_consistent_moisture

   Label

   Ensure consistent moisture

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 8

   ConditionBesonders wichtig für die Fruchtgröße

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Drought stress at this stage can negatively affect fruit size and quality.

1. Taskreduce_watering

   Label

   Reduce watering

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9

   ConditionWenn Früchte zu reifen beginnen

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   A slight reduction in watering can promote fruit sweetness.

2. Taskfirst_harvest

   Label

   First harvest (depending on variety)

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9

   ConditionBei frühen Sorten

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Fruits are ready to harvest when they yield slightly and detach easily from the stem.

1. Taskmain_harvest

   Label

   Main harvest season

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10

   ConditionVor dem ersten starken Frost

   Estimated efforthigh

   Notes

   Kiwis can ripen after harvesting. Harvest before frost.

2. Taskprepare_winter_protection

   Label

   Prepare winter protection

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 10

   ConditionFür junge Pflanzen oder in kälteren Regionen

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Mulch the base of the trunk and protect young plants with fleece or brushwood.

1. Tasklate_harvest

   Label

   Late harvest

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 11

   ConditionBei späten Sorten oder milder Witterung

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest all remaining fruits before frost.

2. Taskapply_winter_protection

   Label

   Apply winter protection

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 11

   ConditionVor dem Wintereinbruch

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Young plants and sensitive varieties particularly need protection from frost.

1. Taskwinter_protection_check

   Label

   Check winter protection

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 12

   ConditionRegelmäßig bei Frostperioden

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Ensure winter protection has not shifted and continues to protect the plants.

Requires a warm, sunny, and sheltered location, ideally against a south-facing wall or in protected areas.

1. loamy
2. sandy_loam

Prefers deep, humus-rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic to neutral soils. Absolutely avoid waterlogging.

Consistent and sufficient water supply is crucial, especially during dry periods and fruit development. Avoid waterlogging.

1. organic_compound_fertilizer
2. compost

Fertilize in spring with compost and a balanced organic fertilizer. Potassium-rich fertilizers promote fruit development.

Kiwis are perennial climbing plants that require a permanent spot in the garden and bear fruit for many years.

1. Slugiron_chlorosis

   Name

   Iron Chlorosis

   Description

   Young leaves turn yellow with green veins, often due to high soil pH.

   Severitymedium

   Affected parts

   1. Young leaves

   Conditions

   1. High pH
   2. calcareous soil

   Prevention

   1. Adjust soil pH
   2. acidic mulching materials

   Organic control

   1. Iron chelates
   2. acidic fertilizers
   3. coffee grounds
2. Slugpotassium_deficiency

   Name

   Potassium Deficiency

   Description

   Leaf margins turn yellow or brown, poor fruit development.

   Severitymedium

   Affected parts

   1. Older leaves
   2. fruits

   Conditions

   1. Potassium-poor soil
   2. high yield

   Prevention

   1. Potassium-rich fertilization
   2. compost

   Organic control

   1. Wood ash
   2. comfrey tea
   3. organic potassium fertilizers
3. Slugnitrogen_deficiency

   Name

   Nitrogen Deficiency

   Description

   Entire plant light green, weak growth, small leaves.

   Severitylow_to_medium

   Affected parts

   1. Entire plant

   Conditions

   1. Nitrogen-poor soil
   2. leaching

   Prevention

   1. Regular organic fertilization
   2. mulching

   Organic control

   1. Compost
   2. horn meal
   3. nettle tea

1. Slugfrost_damage

   Name

   Frost Damage

   Description

   Young shoots and flowers freeze during late frosts, older shoots during severe winter frosts.

   Severityhigh

   Affected parts

   1. Young shoots
   2. flowers
   3. fruits
   4. wood

   Conditions

   1. Late frosts
   2. severe winter frosts
   3. unprotected location

   Prevention

   1. Apply winter protection
   2. choose sheltered location
   3. robust varieties

   Management

   1. Prune back frozen parts
   2. strengthen the plant
2. Slugpoor_fruit_set

   Name

   Poor Fruit Set

   Description

   Few or no fruits, often due to lack of pollination or insufficient male plants.

   Severitymedium_to_high

   Affected parts

   1. Flowers
   2. fruits

   Conditions

   1. Lack of pollinators
   2. only female plants
   3. unfavorable weather during flowering

   Prevention

   1. Plant male and female plants
   2. attract pollinators
   3. hand pollination

   Management

   1. Attempt hand pollination
   2. plant another male plant
3. Slugwaterlogging

   Name

   Waterlogging

   Description

   Leads to root rot, wilting, and plant death. Leaves may turn yellow.

   Severityhigh

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. stem base
   3. leaves

   Conditions

   1. Poor drainage
   2. overwatering
   3. heavy soils

   Prevention

   1. Soil improvement (sand, compost)
   2. correct watering
   3. site selection

   Management

   1. Improve drainage
   2. adjust watering habits
   3. replant

1. Sucking insects (aphids, spider mites, scale insects)
2. Nematodes (rare)

1. Fungal diseases (grey mold, root rot)
2. Bacterial diseases (bacterial blight)

1. Site-appropriate planting and variety selection
2. Adequate water and nutrient supply
3. Good ventilation and pruning practices
4. Regular inspection for pests and diseases
5. Promotion of beneficial insects
6. Winter protection in cold-prone areas

Look for changes in leaves (discoloration, spots, deformities), shoots (wilting, dieback), and fruits (rot, spots). Also check the root area for waterlogging and the stem for injuries or pests. Accurate diagnosis often requires a combination of symptoms, environmental conditions, and the exclusion of other causes.

1. Slugfrost_damage

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Late frosts in spring
   2. severe winter frosts
   3. unprotected location

   Affected parts

   1. Young shoots
   2. flowers
   3. fruits
   4. wood

   Prevention

   1. Apply winter protection (fleece, mulch)
   2. choose a sheltered location
   3. plant frost-hardy varieties

   Organic control

   1. Prune back frozen parts
   2. strengthen plant with compost
2. Slugpoor_fruit_set

   Severitymedium_to_high

   Conditions

   1. Missing male pollinator plant
   2. insufficient insect pollination
   3. unfavorable weather during flowering (rain, cold)

   Affected parts

   1. Flowers
   2. fruits

   Prevention

   1. Ensure presence of male and female plants (or self-fertile variety)
   2. pollinator plants nearby
   3. attract insects

   Organic control

   1. Hand pollination (transfer pollen from male to female flower)
3. Slugroot_rot

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Waterlogging
   2. heavy, impermeable soils
   3. overwatering

   Affected parts

   1. Roots
   2. stem base
   3. leaves (wilting, yellowing)

   Prevention

   1. Choose location with good drainage
   2. improve soil with sand and compost
   3. water correctly (not excessively)

   Organic control

   1. Replant if caught early
   2. improve drainage
4. Slugaphids

   Severitylow_to_medium

   Conditions

   1. Warm, dry conditions
   2. young, succulent shoots

   Affected parts

   1. Young leaves
   2. shoots
   3. flower buds

   Prevention

   1. Encourage beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings)
   2. plant strengtheners

   Organic control

   1. Rinse with strong jet of water
   2. soapy water
   3. Neem oil
5. Slugbotrytis_cinerea

   Severitymedium_to_high

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. poor ventilation
   3. injuries to plant parts

   Affected parts

   1. Flowers
   2. fruits
   3. shoots

   Prevention

   1. Adequate plant spacing
   2. regular thinning pruning
   3. remove damaged plant parts

   Organic control

   1. Immediately remove and dispose of affected plant parts
   2. plant strengtheners based on horsetail

1. Symptom

   Leaves wilt and yellow, plant dies, even though soil is moist.

   Possible causes

   1. root_rot
   2. waterlogging

   First checks

   1. Check soil for waterlogging
   2. check site drainage
   3. inspect roots for rot
2. Symptom

   Young leaves are yellow, but veins remain green.

   Possible causes

   1. iron_chlorosis

   First checks

   1. Measure soil pH
   2. check for calcareous soil
3. Symptom

   Few or no fruits despite flowering.

   Possible causes

   1. poor_fruit_set

   First checks

   1. Check for presence of male and female plants
   2. observe pollinator activity during flowering
   3. check weather conditions during flowering
4. Symptom

   Young shoots and flowers are blackened and dead, especially after cold nights in spring.

   Possible causes

   1. frost_damage

   First checks

   1. Check weather history (late frosts)
   2. check site for frost protection
5. Symptom

   Sticky leaves, small green or black insects on shoot tips, sooty mold.

   Possible causes

   1. aphids

   First checks

   1. Check undersides of leaves and shoot tips for insects

1. Bud break
2. Flowering
3. Fruit set
4. Fruit development
5. Fruit ripening
6. Leaf fall

Kiwi development is highly temperature-dependent. Late frosts can damage flowers and young shoots.

May to June

White to creamy yellow

Flowers are usually inconspicuous but often fragrant. Male and female flowers are on separate plants (dioecious).

October to November

Fruits should be harvested before the first hard frost. They are ready for harvest when still firm, but the seeds are black and the fruits detach easily from the stem. Kiwis ripen after harvesting.

Once annually (main harvest)

1. Fruit has reached full size
2. Seeds are black
3. Fruits detach easily from the stem
4. Slight give when pressed (for immediate consumption)

Harvested, still firm fruits can ripen at room temperature. To accelerate the ripening process, they can be stored with apples in a paper bag (ethylene effect).

Cool and dark

Unripe fruits can be stored at cool temperatures (0-5°C) for several weeks to months. Ripe fruits last about 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Cool and dark

Unripe: 2-4 months at 0-5°C; Ripe: 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator

1. Freezing (peeled and sliced)
2. Jam
3. Juice
4. Drying

1. Fresh consumption
2. Juicing
3. Preserving (jam, jelly)
4. Drying

Kiwi contains enzymes that can curdle dairy products. Therefore, add to dairy-based desserts just before serving.

1. Fresh in fruit salads
2. Smoothies
3. Desserts and cakes
4. Jams and jellies
5. Sauces for meat (enzymes tenderize)

Sweet-tart, refreshing

Kiwi is versatile and enhances many dishes with its exotic flavor and vibrant color.

1. Fruit flesh

1. Skin (hairy in some varieties, can cause irritation in sensitive individuals)
2. Leaves (not recommended for consumption)

Kiwi is safe for most people to eat. Some individuals may experience oral allergy syndrome (itching in the mouth, swelling), especially with cross-allergies to birch pollen or latex.

Yes, the fruits are commonly eaten raw.

Growing from seeds is possible, but the resulting plants will not be true to type, and their sex will only be identifiable after several years when they flower. For home gardeners, vegetative propagation (cuttings) or purchasing grafted plants is more advisable.

Cold stratification (approx. 2-3 months at 2-5°C)

Air dry seeds after washing.

Cool, dry, and dark in airtight containers.

2-3 years

Extract seeds from ripe fruits, wash thoroughly to remove pulp, and then stratify. Germination can be irregular and prolonged.

1. T-Bar Trellis
2. Pergola
3. Espalier

Kiwis are vigorous vines that require sturdy support and regular pruning to fruit well. Most varieties are dioecious, meaning both male and female plants are needed for fruit set, unless it's a self-fertile variety. The varieties listed here include both Actinidia chinensis (golden kiwi) and Actinidia deliciosa (fuzzy kiwi), both commonly marketed as 'Kiwi'.

Kiwi flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which can contribute to local insect diversity. However, the plant itself does not offer significant habitats or food sources for native fauna beyond pollination.