The standard green kiwifruit, a vigorous deciduous vine bearing fuzzy brown fruit with sweet-tart emerald flesh. Female and needs a male vine such as Tomuri nearby for pollination, plus a strong pergola or trellis.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 5 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Kiwifruit
Botanically, Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward' is a fast-growing climber in the Actinidiaceae family. It reaches around 5 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Cream green and white flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Kiwifruit does best in free-draining and acidic soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Kiwifruit does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Kiwifruit after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Kiwifruit in the garden
Kiwifruit earns its place for edible harvests and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Combine Kiwifruit with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Buying Kiwifruit
Plant Sale lists Kiwifruit as bare-root stock, advanced specimens and potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
