Kiwifruit, commonly known as kiwi, grows on a vine, not a tree or a bush. The familiar fuzzy fruit is produced by a vigorous, climbing species (Actinidia deliciosa). Because of its natural growth habit, specific management techniques are necessary for successful commercial and backyard cultivation.
The Kiwi Vine: A Woody Liana
The kiwi plant is classified as a woody liana, a long-stemmed, perennial vine that anchors itself to other supports. As a deciduous plant, it loses its leaves seasonally but maintains a tough, woody stem structure year-round. This vigorous growth habit means the vine can easily sprawl and become entangled without proper guidance.
One defining biological feature is its dioecious nature, meaning individual plants are distinctly male or female. The male vine produces pollen-bearing flowers, while the female vine produces the flowers that develop into fruit after pollination. Growers must plant both sexes in proximity to ensure fruit set, generally utilizing one male plant for every three to eight female plants. The fruit develops on new shoots that grow from the previous season’s wood.
Managing Growth Through Trellising and Pruning
A strong support system is mandatory for cultivation due to the vine’s natural tendency to climb and produce a heavy fruit load. Trellising manages the vine’s vigor and ensures that the leaves and developing fruit receive adequate sunlight. Without a trellis, the vine’s dense foliage and fruit weight would cause it to collapse into an unmanageable mound.
Two common commercial systems for supporting kiwi vines are the T-bar and the pergola. The T-bar system uses a central post with a horizontal cross-arm to train the vines into a flat canopy, which allows for easier harvesting and pruning access. The pergola system trains the vines over a horizontal overhead structure, often leading to higher yields and more efficient use of space.
Pruning is essential for directing growth and maximizing fruit production.
Winter Pruning
Heavy pruning is performed during the dormant winter season to remove old, unproductive wood and establish the framework for the coming year. This winter cut focuses on maintaining the main trunk and the permanent horizontal “cordons” or leaders of the vine.
Summer Pruning
Lighter pruning is necessary during the summer growing season to manage rapid new growth and prevent the canopy from becoming too dense. This summer intervention ensures optimal light penetration and air circulation, which helps with fruit quality and disease prevention. By consistently cutting back new growth and removing non-fruiting wood, growers encourage the development of the one-year-old wood where the next season’s crop will be borne.