If you’re a fan of kiwis but live in a climate that’s too cold for traditional kiwi plants, then you’ll be happy to know that there’s a solution: growing hardy kiwis. Hardy kiwis, also known as kiwi berries, are smaller than their tropical counterparts, but they have a similar flavor and are just as nutritious.
If you’re in New Jersey, you’re in luck – hardy kiwis grow well in the Garden State. Here are some tips for growing hardy kiwis in your New Jersey garden.
Just remember one thing. When you shop online for hardy kiwis, you will need at least one male and one female plant. Also remember they are vines and will grow quite large without proper care and pruning.
Here’s how to get started with hardy kiwis in New Jersey.
- Choose the Right Variety
There are many different varieties of hardy kiwis to choose from, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your garden. Some popular varieties for New Jersey include Anna, Geneva, and Issai.
- Plant in the Right Spot
Hardy kiwis need a lot of sun to thrive, so make sure to plant them in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also need well-draining soil, so if your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with compost or sand.
- Provide Support
Hardy kiwis are climbers, so they need some kind of support to grow on. You can use a trellis, fence, or even a sturdy tree to provide support for your plants. Make sure the support is strong enough to hold the weight of the growing vines and fruit.
- Water Regularly
Hardy kiwis need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Make sure to water deeply, so that the roots get plenty of moisture. Once the plants are established, they can tolerate some drought, but it’s still important to keep them well-watered.
- Prune Regularly
Hardy kiwis need regular pruning to keep them in check and promote healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged wood, and thin out any crowded or crossing branches.
- Harvest at the Right Time
Hardy kiwis ripen in late summer or early fall, depending on the variety. They’re ready to harvest when they’re slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. Don’t wait too long to harvest, as they can become overripe and mushy quickly.
Growing hardy kiwis in your New Jersey garden is a fun and rewarding experience. With the right variety, spot, support, watering, pruning, and harvesting, you can enjoy fresh kiwi berries straight from your own backyard.