This archive report was first published on 30 October 2021.
Published on October 30, 2021, in Kenya, there are very few markets where demand exceeds supply, and one such market is for Kiwi fruits. The fruit, also known as the 'Chinese goose berry,' is a rich source of important vitamins such as C, K, and E that are deficient in many other fruits.
David Kimani, a farmer from Imenti in Meru, has discovered the health benefits and market opportunity of growing Kiwi fruit. To grow Kiwi fruit successfully, one needs to understand its requirements and follow a step-by-step guide.
Preparation ¶
The soil must be well-drained, and Kiwi tree vines should not be planted where water sits on the surface following rains, as this can lead to crown rot. The ideal soil pH for Kiwi fruit is between 5.0 and 6.5.
Planting ¶
Kiwi fruit can be propagated either from seed or stem cuttings, but stem cuttings are preferred as they enable the plant to establish faster and encourage early maturity. Planting is best done around March to take advantage of the long rains.
As Kiwi fruit is a climbing plant, it needs support until it is properly established. A trellis system is preferred for this purpose. It is also essential to note that Kiwi fruit is dioecious, meaning it is hard to identify if a plant is male or female until they start flowering.
Pollination ¶
Plants should be spaced not more than 35 feet away to make pollination easier, as male and female plants grow separately. One male plant can fertilize the flowers of eight or so females.
Pruning and Harvesting ¶
Pruning helps to make tangled shoots manageable and easy to harvest, allowing light to reach the plants. An established kiwi tree vine consists of a trunk, permanent cordons, and fruiting arms.
A mature kiwifruit vine can produce more than 90 kilogrammes of fruit. Harvest semi-tropical kiwi fruits by snapping them off their stalks when the skins turn brown and samples of cut fruit show black seeds.
Market and Profitability ¶
According to Kimani, on an eighth of an acre, a farmer can plant 50 kiwi fruit trees. One fruit retails at Sh100. A tree can bear fruit for 12 to 15 years and take less than two years to start fruiting.
It is less labor-intensive and inter-cropping with plants such as potato, ginger, and asparagus is allowed. Kiwi fruits can last over six months after harvesting when stored in a cool place.
