Kiwi Tree: How to Germinate a Kiwi Seed?

The seeds of the kiwi are so small that they are eaten with the fruit. They do not end up on the edge of the plate at the end of the meal and we therefore do not have to wonder about a possible sowing. However, kiwi seeds can germinate; success is a little uncertain, but if the conditions are good, it is possible to obtain young actinidias.

How to germinate your kiwi seeds?

Prepare your seeds

Once your kiwi has been duly chosen and around thirty seeds set aside, put them in a bowl filled with water: throw away the seeds that float and collect those that have sunk to the bottom.

Solution 1: Place your seeds between cotton

Take a small dish at the bottom of which you will have cotton, preferably organic, and to avoid any negative interactions between germination and chemical residues at the bottom. Moisten everything well then place your seeds on top before covering them with a piece of gauze which you will moisten again.

You can carry out the operation on several cups in the event that a fungus appears during the operation and to limit the risk of losing everything.

Solution 2: Place your seeds in a pot

Prepare a pot fifteen centimeters in diameter with gravel or clay balls placed at the bottom and fill everything with quality horticultural soil.

Lightly pack the soil and place the seeds there for germination. Once done, “sprinkle” very lightly with moistened potting soil using a sprayer.

Location

It needs full sun for healthy growth. Place it in a location where it receives maximum sunlight.

Temperature

For cooler climates, it performs well in the temperature range of 40 to 60°F (4.44 to 15.56°C). In warmer regions, kiwifruit do best between 56 and 77°F (13.33-25° C). The plant may be affected or even die at temperatures below 29°F (-1.67°C).

Watering

For healthy plant growth, it is important to keep the soil moist, but do not overwater as kiwis do not like too much water and this can also cause root rot. Water daily, but avoid overwatering until your plants are established.

Kiwi harvest

The kiwi is harvested in the northern hemisphere before the first winter frosts, generally during November.

To know when to harvest the kiwi, you have to run your fingernail over the flesh and see if it retreats under pressure, then it is the right time to harvest them.

The kiwi does not resist the cold in winter and it must therefore be harvested before the first frost.