Fuzzy Kiwi (Saanichton)

Planting & Care

Planting & Care

Site Selection

• Choose a warm, sunny site with full sun for best growth and fruit ripening.
• Shelter from cold winds and late spring frosts is important, especially during bloom.
• South-facing or heat-retentive locations improve fruit finishing.
• Good airflow helps reduce disease pressure but avoid exposed, windy sites.

Soil Preparation

• Fuzzy kiwis prefer deep, fertile, well-drained soil.
• Avoid poorly drained or compacted soils.
• Incorporate compost at planting if soil is low in organic matter.
• Maintain even soil moisture—extreme wet/dry swings can stress vines.

Planting Instructions

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system.
• Plant at the same depth as the container-grown vine.
• Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
• Mulch 2–3 inches deep to moderate soil temperature and moisture (keep mulch off the trunk).

Watering & Fertilizing

• Water regularly during the first 2–3 years while vines establish.
• Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development.
• Avoid drought stress, which can reduce fruit set and fruit size.
• Apply compost annually or use a balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is weak.

Support & Training

• Install a strong trellis, pergola, or arbor before vines mature.
• Train a single main trunk upward during the first year.
• Establish one or two permanent horizontal cordons along the support.
• Good structure early makes pruning and harvest much easier long-term.

Pruning & Training (Different from Hardy Kiwi)

• Fuzzy kiwis fruit on new shoots that grow from last year’s wood.
• Unlike hardy kiwis, avoid cutting all fruiting wood back to short spurs.
• In winter, retain longer fruiting canes (typically 8–12 buds).
• Remove old, weak, or overcrowded wood to maintain light penetration.
• Summer pruning should be light—mostly tipping and thinning excess growth.

Pollination

• Most fuzzy kiwi varieties are not self-fertile.
• Plant a compatible male kiwi vine within 20–30 feet.
• One healthy male can pollinate multiple female vines.

Harvest & Use

• Harvest when fruit reaches full size and seeds have darkened.
• Fruit is typically picked firm and finished indoors.
• Allow fruit to soften at room temperature for best flavor.
• Fuzzy kiwis store well under cool conditions once harvested.

General Tips

• Fuzzy kiwis require more heat and a longer season than hardy kiwis.
• Avoid heavy winter pruning—over-pruning reduces fruiting potential.
• Consistent moisture and balanced pruning are key to dependable harvests.