Kiwi
Actinidia chinensisfam. Actinidiaceae
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Pl. 5E02 — Actinidia chinensis
Actinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensisActinidia chinensis
IOverview
Overview
Kiwi, scientifically known as Actinidia chinensis, is a deciduous vine native to China's central and southern regions and Taiwan. This plant thrives in full or partial sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 7.5 meters tall but only spreads about 1 meter wide. Kiwi vines are known for their edible fruit and leaves, making them a popular choice among gardeners. One distinctive feature of this plant is its small, fuzzy berries that contain numerous tiny black seeds, while another notable characteristic is the vine's heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges.
Quick answers
What is Kiwi?
Kiwi, scientifically known as Actinidia chinensis, is a deciduous vine native to China's central and southern regions and Taiwan. This plant thrives in full or partial sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Kiwi thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows up to 7.5 meters tall with a spread of about 1 meter. Propagate by cuttings or seeds. Ensure the plant receives adequate water and well-draining soil for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
7.5 m × 1 m
For first-time growers
How to grow Kiwi for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, hardy kiwi plant and focus on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A healthy kiwi plant, garden soil, mulch, and stakes or trellis.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, and prepare a spot that gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young kiwi plants from the nursery to your garden, spacing them about 4-6 meters apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist and mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, prune annually for shape and fruit production, and support vines on trellis.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to remove old wood and thin out crowded branches; harvest fruit when it feels soft.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough support, and neglecting winter protection are common issues.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The kiwi fruit is commonly eaten raw, offering a sweet and tangy flavor. The leaves can also be consumed, often used in salads or steeped to make tea. Both the fruit and leaves are enjoyed fresh for their nutritional benefits.
Other uses:Pest controltextilesPencilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 5 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 4 native· 5 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Sweden
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaTaiwan
Broader regions
introduced:Czechoslovakia, Arkansas, New Zealand North, New Zealand South
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Actinidiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Actinidiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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