Pruning a Kiwi Plant

The Kiwi plant (also known as the Actinidia Deliciosa) is a A beautiful addition to any outdoor space. Whether you have a large vegetable garden or a sunny wall in a city garden, this vigorous climbing plant brings an exotic atmosphere. As a popular fruit plant, it is known for its hairy fruits full of vitamin C, but it is also simply a decorative garden plant with large, heart-shaped leaves. However, to prevent these plants from taking over your entire garden and to guarantee a good harvest, a heavy pruning is essential.

When to Prune a Kiwi Plant?

Timing the pruning is of crucial importance for the Kiwi plant. Because the sap flow of this plant starts early in the year, incorrect timing can cause it to "bleed" (lose sap), which weakens the plant.

• Winter Pruning (December - January): This is the most important pruning. Preferably do this before the shortest day of the year, but in any case before the buds start to swell in February. During the dormant period, you shape the plant's framework.

• Summer Pruning (June - July): During the growing season, the kiwi plant grows extremely fast. In the summer, you prune to direct the energy to the fruit instead of to the long, wild shoots.

How to Prune a Kiwi Plant?

Pruning a kiwi plant might seem intimidating at first due to its rapid growth, but with a systematic approach, it is quite manageable. The goal is to create a well-organized structure where sunlight can reach the fruit effectively.

Step-by-step plan for Kiwi Winter Pruning

1. Remove dead and diseased wood: Always start by removing branches that are damaged or show no signs of life.

2. Choose the main branches: Ensure you have one or two strong main branches (the trunk) that run horizontally along a wire or trellis. are guided.

3. Prune the side branches (fruit wood): The fruit grows on the side branches that grew the previous year. Shorten these side branches to about 2 to 3 buds (eyes) from the main branch.

4. Rejuvenation: Older side branches that have borne fruit for a few years can be completely removed to make room for new, vital shoots.

Step-by-step plan for the Kiwi Summer Pruning

1. Long shoots Pruning: The kiwi plant produces long, whipping branches in the summer. Prune these back to 5 to 6 leaves past the last cluster of fruit.

2. Light and air: Remove excess leaves that completely shade the young kiwis. Direct sunlight on the fruit promotes ripening and flavor.

3. Wild shoots: Shoots emerging from the ground at the base of the stem (root suckers) can be pruned away completely immediately.

After a thorough pruning, the plant needs some time to recover. Ensure that you always work with sharp and clean tools to prevent infections. Because the kiwi plant is stimulated to sprout again by the pruning, this is also the ideal time to check the general condition of the plant.

Do not forget to apply a good organic fertilizer in early spring after the winter pruning. This gives the Actinidia Deliciosa the necessary fuel for the new growing season.

Tip: Do you really want to know everything about keeping your climber healthy, from watering to combating diseases? Then read our extensive blog: Kiwiplant Care for a complete overview!