- 1). Select a growing location protected from strong winds that receives at least six hours of direct sun each day. Although Kiwis tolerate partial shade, growth and fruit production are adversely affected by shade.
- 2). Choose a properly sized container. Grow seedlings and most other young kiwi plants in 5-gallon containers and plant those more than 1 year old in 15-gallon containers. Plastic buckets, wooden planters or ceramic pots are all suitable, as long as they have holes for drainage.
- 3). Select a kiwi variety better suited for container culture, such as hardy kiwi. Although all kiwis survive in properly maintained containers, hardy kiwis are more tolerant of adverse environmental conditions.
- 4). Provide kiwi plants with sufficient vertical support. Kiwi vines have a climbing growth habit, and most require some form of trellising at least 4 feet in height and equally wide. Kiwi vines grow up fences, wooden lattice, patio roofs or almost any other vertical structure.
- 5). Mix in enough fertilizer after planting. Kiwis are heavy nitrogen users and require up to 1 pound of organic fertilizer or 2 to 4 ounces of a slow-release synthetic blend for optimum growth and fruit production.
- 6). Fill containers with a loose, well-draining soil mixture with a high percentage of organic material. Kiwis prefer a soil pH between 5.0 and 6.5 and are extremely intolerant of salinity.
- 7). Water container-grown kiwis regularly and monitor closely for signs of drought stress, especially in periods of hot weather. Kiwis prefer evenly moist soils.
- 8). Prune kiwis to one central vine and secure new growth to trellising materials with plant tape or other soft ties.
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