Kiwifruit Actinidia deliciosa
Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Actinidiaceae family, native to Central and eastern China. It grows 4–8 m (13–26 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 4.5 m (15 ft) apart.
Plan Kiwifruit in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Kiwifruit at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Actinidiaceae |
| Mature height | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 4.5 m (15 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | Central and eastern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Kiwifruit toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Fruit and foliage are not listed as toxic, though cats may chew or rub on the vines.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Kiwifruit
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Kiwifruit
- How far apart should I plant Kiwifruit?
- About 4.5 m (15 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Kiwifruit need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kiwifruit need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Kiwifruit?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Kiwifruit flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Kiwifruit poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Fruit and foliage are not listed as toxic, though cats may chew or rub on the vines.
- What grows well with Kiwifruit?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Kiwifruit. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- Fruit & Nut Research and Information Center: chilling requirements by species and cultivar, University of California, Davis
- UC IPM degree-day models and pest notes, University of California
Notes and assumptions
- Dioecious: plant one male for about 6-8 females; needs a strong trellis, shelter from wind and late-frost protection of new shoots; chill about 600-850 hours (Hayward).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Hardy kiwi Actinidia arguta
- Kolomikta kiwi (variegated kiwi vine) Actinidia kolomikta
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- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum
- Dwarf apple tree Malus domestica
- Raspberry Rubus idaeus
- Blackberry Rubus fruticosus agg.
- Grapevine Vitis vinifera