How to Propogate Kiwi Plant the Right Way

Kiwi plants, with their vibrant green foliage and delicious fruit, make a great addition to any garden. While many people buy kiwi plants from nurseries, propagating them on your own can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to grow these tasty fruits. In this article, we will explore the right way to propagate kiwi plants and ensure their successful growth.

Understanding Kiwi Propagation

Before delving into the propagation process, it’s important to understand how kiwi plants reproduce naturally. Kiwis are dioecious plants, meaning they have separate male and female plants. Female kiwi plants produce the fruit, while male plants are responsible for pollination. To ensure a successful harvest, it’s necessary to have both male and female plants in close proximity.

When it comes to propagation, there are three common methods: seed propagation, softwood cutting propagation, and hardwood cutting propagation. Each method has its own advantages and requirements. Let’s explore each one in detail.

Seed Propagation

Seed propagation is the most basic method of growing kiwi plants. However, it’s worth noting that kiwi plants grown from seeds may not produce fruits that are true to the parent plant. This is because kiwis are often grafted onto rootstocks to ensure good fruit production.

To propagate kiwi plants from seeds, start by collecting ripe kiwi fruits and scooping out the seeds. Rinse the seeds under running water to remove any pulp or debris. Then, place the seeds in a moist paper towel or peat moss and seal them in a plastic bag. Keep the bag in a warm location, such as on top of a refrigerator or near a heat source.

After about four weeks, check the seeds for germination. Once they sprout roots that are at least an inch long, it’s time to transfer them into individual pots filled with well-draining soil. Water the seedlings regularly and provide them with bright, indirect sunlight. It may take several years for the seedlings to reach maturity and start fruiting.

Softwood Cutting Propagation

Softwood cutting propagation is a popular method for propagating kiwi plants. It involves taking cuttings from the current season’s growth and encouraging them to root. Softwood cuttings are taken in early summer when the stems are still flexible but have hardened a bit.

To propagate kiwi plants using softwood cuttings, follow these steps:

1. Select healthy and disease-free shoots that are approximately 6-8 inches long.
2. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node using a sharp knife or pruning shears.
3. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, leaving a few at the top for photosynthesis.
4. Dip the bottom end of the cutting in a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development.
5. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix or perlite-vermiculite mixture.
6. Place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight.
7. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
8. After about 6-8 weeks, gently tug on the cutting to check for resistance, indicating that roots have formed.

Once the cutting has developed strong roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden. Keep in mind that it may take a few years for the plant to mature and start producing fruit.

Hardwood Cutting Propagation

Hardwood cutting propagation is another effective method for propagating kiwi plants. It involves taking dormant cuttings from mature wood during winter when the plant is dormant.

To propagate kiwi plants using hardwood cuttings, follow these steps:

1. Select healthy and disease-free branches that are approximately pencil-thickness and 12-18 inches long.
2. Make a clean cut at the base of the cutting, just below a bud, and another cut at the top, about 2-3 inches above a bud.
3. Dip the bottom end of the cutting in a rooting hormone powder.
4. Plant the cutting vertically in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix or perlite-vermiculite mixture, burying about two-thirds of the cutting.
5. Place the pot in a cool and dark location, such as a basement or garage, with temperatures around 32-41°F (0-5°C).
6. Keep the soil slightly moist but not wet.
7. In early spring, when the plant starts to show signs of growth, move the pot to a warmer and brighter location.
8. Once the cutting has developed strong roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.

Conclusion

Propagating kiwi plants can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether you choose to grow them from seeds, softwood cuttings, or hardwood cuttings, patience and care are key to ensuring successful propagation. By following the right techniques and providing the ideal conditions for growth, you can watch your kiwi plants thrive and eventually enjoy their delicious fruits straight from your own garden.