Kiwiberries
Small smooth-skinned kiwis on vigorous climbing vines.
Kiwiberries (Young vine)
£14.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
Spring from nursery-grown vines
Plant out
Provide strong supports; check whether your variety needs a separate male pollinator.
Harvest
September–October
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 8+ hours a day, ideally against a south-facing wall or in a greenhouse.
Water
Keep consistently moist during growing season, especially when fruit is swelling. Reduce watering in autumn.
Soil
Deep, well-drained, fertile soil, pH 6.0–7.0. Grapes dislike waterlogging.
Spacing
1.2–2.5m (4–8ft) apart depending on training method and vigour.
Containers
Possible in very large containers (min. 60cm diameter) with regular feeding and watering, but best in the ground.
Indoors
Can be grown in a greenhouse or conservatory for earlier and heavier crops, especially wine grapes.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser in early spring, then a high-potash feed once flowers appear. Top dress with compost.
Pruning
Winter prune (Dec–Feb) to shape and establish fruiting wood. Summer prune (Jul–Aug) to remove excess growth and improve air circulation around bunches.
Harvesting
Provide strong supports; check whether your variety needs a separate male pollinator.
Storage
Best eaten fresh from the vine. Can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for later use in cooking/smoothies.
Good companions: Hyssop, Geraniums, Rosemary