Growing Kiwi's

I bought a Kiwi (Jenny) 4 years ago and though it said it was perfect for our climate I didnt get nothing first two years and the tree was looking not so good, so I fetched it into my cold greenhouse 2 years ago and though there is pleanty growth no sign of fruit. I read something about it requiring proper pruning and cant find anything to tell me what is proper can you tell me please as I am about to dump the tree for more space.

At the beginning of the season I use a frost free setting on a fan heater to help germinate my seeds.

You’ve just reminded me that I must prune the young kiwi we have in the greenhouse at Stephanie’s Kitchen Garden. 

You are correct in that kiwis need annual pruning and lots of space.  They should be trained as an espalier along a wall or a fence - I’ve included a link from the RHS website detailing exactly how to prune. https://www.rhs.org.uk/pruning

You did the right thing in bringing your kiwi plant into the greenhouse, they are tender to winter frosts so it should like the warmer conditions of the greenhouse. Harrod stocks many different kinds of heaters to suit all needs.

The ‘Jenny’ variety that you have is self fertile so you don’t have to worry about pollination from another plant.  Given the right conditions you should start to get fruit after 3-4 years so don’t give up on it yet.

Kind Regards

Lynn Burton
Horticultural Adviser