Anyone growing Kiwi fruit

[La Garden]

The plant has a wide growing range and looks to be a prolific producer. Wondering if anyone is growing and experience growing them.

 

[Chuck]

The plant has a wide growing range and looks to be a prolific producer. Wondering if anyone is growing and experience growing them.

Professional growers tried growing them in the Rio Grande valley but found them to sensitive to the alkaline soils. Also, they take a long time from flower to harvestable fruit, about 230 frost free days. They are very sensitive to frost. I tried a grafted variety with better cold hardiness but my soil was just too alkaline no matter what I did. I kept the plants alive for 3 years but they weren't healthy. Frost finally put them out of their misery. You might find the following link interesting.
http://www.ktre.com/story/26580670/sfa-horticulturist-harvest-east-texas-kiwi-crop

 

[La Garden]

Good info, thanks.

 

[SQWIB]

You could look into Hardy Kiwi

 

[Alvean]

Professional growers tried growing them in the Rio Grande valley but found them to sensitive to the alkaline soils. Also, they take a long time from flower to harvestable fruit, about 230 frost free days. They are very sensitive to frost. I tried a grafted variety with better cold hardiness but my soil was just too alkaline no matter what I did. I kept the plants alive for 3 years but they weren't healthy. Frost finally put them out of their misery. You might find the following link interesting.
http://www.ktre.com/story/26580670/sfa-horticulturist-harvest-east-texas-kiwi-crop

Hey. What makes a soil very alkaline ?

 

[Montray Davis]

I have a Meader kiwi plant (male and female) -- but they have not yet started fruiting. Last year, I dd not give them the attention they need -- so they are bouncing back this year with tons of TLC.

I hope to get some kiwis in the future!

 

[DirtMechanic]

Hey. What makes a soil very alkaline ?

Absence or reduced hydrogen levels technically. Some cause are in the linked article.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/alkaline-soil-plants.htm