Kiwi trellis over garden beds

Hey all,

I am looking to add some kiwi to my yard this year. After doing some research it seems that trellising them is best. Originally I thought about growing them vertically on the side of my house, but may leave that for passionflower.

Anywho, I live in the central valley of california and was curious on thoughts about putting trellises down and planting beneath them? I've had some trouble with the garden due to the extreme sun and was curious if this could be a possible shade solution as well as a way to maximize planting space.

Thanks!

I upcycled a pair of matching swing sets into a very sturdy Kiwi trellis. In my climate, the kiwi provide too much shade for the beds beneath them to be productive, now that the vines are older. However, so long as you do a certain amount of pruning, I think in areas of California, it might work just fine.

They are very aggressive growers, and provide a lot of shade.

I've been growing kiwis for many years. There are several different species and many varieties. The variety I grow is called Issai and is a member of the hardy kiwi group (Actinidia arguta). It requires afternoon shade but does not need a pollinator. Like Jay, I upcycled an old swing set (and some wire fencing) to provide a sturdy trellis for my plants. The fuzzless fruit is small but incredibly delicious and ripens in September and early October.

But for you I would  recommend getting fuzzy kiwis that are better adapted to full sun and a long, hot growing season. To insure pollination you'll probably want to get one male and two or more females. Look for low chill varieties that can take the heat such as Vincent (female) and Matua (male). Trellises need to be sturdy and strong for fuzzy kiwis!

Here's a handy planting guide for kiwis from Raintree Nursery:

https://raintreenursery.com/pages/growing-fruit-trees-kiwi

M.K. Dorje Sr. wrote:I've been growing kiwis for many years. There are several different species and many varieties. The variety I grow is called Issai and is a member of the hardy kiwi group (Actinidia arguta). It requires afternoon shade but does not need a pollinator. Like Jay, I upcycled an old swing set (and some wire fencing) to provide a sturdy trellis for my plants. The fuzzless fruit is small but incredibly delicious and ripens in September and early October.

But for you I would  recommend getting fuzzy kiwis that are better adapted to full sun and a long, hot growing season. To insure pollination you'll probably want to get one male and two or more females. Look for low chill varieties that can take the heat such as Vincent (female) and Matua (male). Trellises need to be sturdy and strong for fuzzy kiwis!

Here's a handy planting guide for kiwis from Raintree Nursery:

https://raintreenursery.com/pages/growing-fruit-trees-kiwi

Thank you! My local nursery (Morris Nursery) is offering a self-pollinating fuzzy Kiwi in bare root form. I'm expanding my garden this year and while it loves the warmth, the sun tends to burn or cause everything to bolt. Either way I was thinking that this may help and give me something new to try.

That's great that your local nursery has the new self-pollinating fuzzy kiwi. "Jenny" is a very vigorous vine and will grow up to 20 feet. Hopefully, it can take the heat, too.

https://www.davewilson.com/nurseries/products/vine-bush-fruit/kiwifruit/jenny-self-fertile/