How to Grow a Kiwi Tree from a Kiwi Seed

Growing your own kiwi tree from a kiwi seed can be an exciting and fulfilling endeavor. Although it’s important to keep in mind that the kiwi fruits available in stores may not always yield viable seeds, and even if they do, they may not produce the same type of kiwi as the parent plant. However, if you have a kiwi fruit with viable seeds, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow a young kiwi tree in a pot.

Step 1: Extracting the Seeds

Start by cutting open a ripe kiwi fruit and scoop out the seeds.
Rinse the seeds under cool water and allow them to dry on a paper towel for a few days.

Step 2: Germinating the Seeds

Kiwi seeds require stratification, which means they need to be exposed to cold temperatures to germinate.
Place the seeds in a damp paper towel or sphagnum moss and put them in a plastic bag.
Keep the bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks, making sure to check the seeds regularly and keep the paper towel or moss damp.

Step 3: Planting the Seeds

Once the seeds have undergone stratification, fill a small pot with a mixture of potting soil and perlite.
Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil and water them gently.
Cover the pot with plastic wrap to create a mini-greenhouse effect and place it in a warm, well-lit location.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.

Step 4: Transplanting the Seedlings

After a few weeks, the seedlings should start to sprout.
Once they have developed several sets of leaves, you can transplant them into a larger pot.
Choose a pot that is at least 18-24 inches in diameter and 24 inches deep.
Fill the pot with a mixture of potting soil, compost, and perlite.

Step 5: Caring for the Kiwi Tree

Kiwi trees thrive in plenty of sunlight, so make sure to place the pot in a sunny location or use grow lights if necessary.
Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging it.
Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

Step 6: Providing Support

Kiwi trees are vines and require support to grow vertically.
Place a trellis or stake in the pot and gently tie the kiwi vine to it as it grows.

Step 7: Pruning

Prune the kiwi tree in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Also, remove any lateral branches that are growing from the base of the plant.

Step 8: Harvesting

Kiwi trees typically bear fruit in their second or third year of growth.
Harvest the fruit when it is fully ripe and slightly soft to the touch.

How to Determine if a Kiwi Fruit has Viable Seeds

To determine if a kiwi fruit has viable seeds, here are a few key things to consider:

Choose a ripe kiwi fruit: Look for kiwi fruits that are fully ripe and have a slightly soft texture when gently pressed.
Check the seeds: When you cut open the kiwi fruit, carefully examine the seeds. Viable seeds will be plump and full, rather than shriveled or underdeveloped.
Perform a germination test: Dampen a paper towel or piece of sphagnum moss, place the seeds on top, and wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a plastic bag. Keep them in a warm, well-lit spot and check regularly for signs of germination. If the seeds sprout within a few weeks, they are likely viable and can be planted.

It’s important to note that even if a kiwi fruit has viable seeds, the resulting plant may not produce the same variety of kiwi fruit as the parent plant. Kiwi trees are typically propagated through grafting to ensure that the resulting tree will yield the same type of fruit. Nonetheless, growing a kiwi tree from seed can still be a rewarding and enjoyable project.