How to Grow Golden Kiwi
Actinidia chinensis
Golden kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) is a different species from the standard green kiwi (A. deliciosa). The fruit has smooth skin (less fuzzy), golden-yellow flesh, and a sweeter, less acidic flavour. Slightly less hardy than green kiwi, needing a warm sheltered spot. Vigorous vine growing 5-8m. Requires a male pollinator plant nearby. Train on a sturdy T-bar trellis or pergola. Summer and winter pruning are both essential. Harvest before first frost in late October and ripen indoors.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, warm sheltered position essential
Full sun in the warmest, most sheltered spot available. A south-facing wall is ideal in the UK. More heat-demanding than green kiwi. Insufficient warmth leads to poor fruit development.
Watering
Regular watering; especially during fruit development
Water regularly, especially during fruit development in summer. Kiwi vines have large leaves that lose moisture quickly. Mulch well to retain soil moisture. Avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing
Balanced spring feed; fortnightly liquid feed after fruit set
Apply a balanced granular fertiliser in early spring. Follow with fortnightly liquid feeds once fruit has set to support the developing crop. Mulch annually with compost.
Pruning
Summer pinch beyond fruit; winter cut back fruited laterals
Summer pruning — pinch new shoots to five or six leaves beyond the fruit to direct energy into the crop. Winter pruning — cut fruited laterals back to two or three buds beyond the last fruit. Both are essential for productive plants.
Support
Very sturdy T-bar trellis or pergola
Provide a very sturdy pergola, T-bar trellis, or heavy-gauge wire system. Golden kiwi vines are vigorous and heavy. Lightweight structures will collapse under the weight within a few years.
Overwintering
Protect flowers from late frost; less hardy than green kiwi
Slightly less hardy than green kiwi. Protect young plants in winter. Drape fleece over the vine on frosty nights during flowering to protect the crop. Choose the most sheltered spot possible.
Growing Tips
Needs a male pollinator
Golden kiwi requires a compatible male plant nearby for pollination. One male can pollinate up to six females. Self-fertile varieties are not available for this species.
Less hardy than green kiwi
Golden kiwi is slightly more tender than the common green kiwi. Choose the warmest, most sheltered spot in the garden. A south-facing wall is ideal in cooler areas.
Two-stage pruning is essential
In summer, pinch new shoots back to five or six leaves beyond the fruit. In winter, cut fruited laterals back to two or three buds beyond the last fruit. Both are needed for productive plants.
Harvest before frost
Pick fruit in late October before the first frost. The fruit will not be ripe on the vine. Store cool and bring to room temperature with a banana to ripen.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 400 cm |
| Row spacing | 500 cm |
| Mature height | 500 cm |
| Mature spread | 300 cm |
Vigorous vine needing sturdy T-bar trellis. 4-5m between plants. Requires male pollinator nearby.
