Kiwi Fruit
Actinidia deliciosafam. Moraceae
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Pl. 9C4B — Actinidia deliciosa
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IOverview
Overview
Kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a vine native to the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast regions of China. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil with partial sun to full sun exposure. It grows up to 9 meters in height and spreads out to 1.8 meters wide. Kiwi vines are propagated through grafted plants or cuttings and can be grown in hardiness zones 6-9. The fruit, leaves, and seeds of the kiwi plant are all edible, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes. One distinctive feature is its light green fruit with fuzzy brown skin, which reveals sweet, tangy flesh inside.
Quick answers
What is Kiwi Fruit?
Kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a vine native to the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast regions of China. Known for its edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil with partial sun to full sun exposure. It grows up to 9 meters in height and spreads out to 1.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Kiwi fruit thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist, well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 9 meters tall with a spread of 1.8 meters. Propagation can be done through grafted plants or cuttings. The fruit, leaves, and seeds are all edible parts of the plant.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Vine
Mature size
9.0 m × 1.8 m
- Propagation
- Grafted plant or cuttings
- Row spacing
- 6000 cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Kiwi Fruit for the first time
8steps
Start with a grafted plant for the best chance of success as a beginner.
- 1
What you'll need
A grafted kiwi fruit plant, compost, and mulch.
- 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 soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5; amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant grafted plants directly into the garden, spacing them about 4-6 meters apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide a trellis or support structure; prune annually in late winter to maintain shape and encourage fruiting.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune plants in late winter to remove old wood and thin out crowded branches. Harvest fruit when it gives slightly under gentle pressure.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too close together, not providing enough support, overwatering, neglecting winter pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesSeed
Edible uses: The kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is primarily eaten raw, though the leaves and seeds can also be consumed. The fruit is typically enjoyed fresh, sliced, or added to salads for its sweet-tart flavor. Leaves and seeds are sometimes used in teas or dried for culinary purposes.
Other uses:textilesPencilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 5 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 3 native· 5 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Sweden
Asia1 region
native (1)China
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 (Moraceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Moraceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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