Many are interested in how to grow a kiwi so that the liana takes root well in the plot and bears fruit. Actinidia berry for many gardeners is still exotic. It is believed that you need to know certain secrets of its cultivation in order to get a good harvest. However, this is not at all true. To grow a kiwi plant is quite simple, since it is completely unpretentious in care.
The main problem is that the liana grows only in the subtropics and requires special conditions that can not always be recreated.
Plant feature
Actinidia (photo in the article) grows in the subtropics and is a vine, which without additional support in the conservatory and greenhouse does not reach a height of more than 1.5-2 m. Its shoots are smooth and slightly pubescent. The leaves of the creepers are heart-shaped, large. They change color depending on the time of year. The flowers are white, with a pinkish tinge and a delicate aroma. It is very important to plant a female and a male plant on the site in order to achieve fruiting.
Thanks to the many years of work of scientists and gardeners, many lovers can grow it in any climatic conditions, the most important thing is to provide competent care.
What are the types
Shrub actinidia liana is a deciduous perennial that grows mainly in the subtropical climate. Various species of this plant are quite widespread. The genus includes more than 75 species. The most famous representative is a delicious actinidia, or kiwi. The plant is quite difficult to grow in its own area.
For private gardening, the most promising are small-fruited species, whose berries somewhat resemble gooseberries. Such a culture is valued as fruit and is no less interesting for phytodesign. Among the most popular species can be distinguished such as:
- Giraldi.
- Colomict.
- Argut, or spicy.
- Polygamous.
The variety Giraldi is a branchy vine, reaching a height of 25 m. After flowering, elongated fruits are formed about 4 cm in size. The plant grows very quickly, so it is well suited for vertical gardening.
Having studied the description of actinidia colomict, you can make sure that this variety is ideal for cultivation in many regions of our country. The stems reach a height of about 7 m. They can be erect or curl. Berries no larger than 2 cm in size with brown stripes running along. The fruits of actinidia colomict have a very delicate aroma and taste.
Variety Argut - a very high vine, entwining the trunks of tall trees, it can move from one crown to another. It forms juicy fruits that smell like pineapple.
Polygamous actinidia is the lowest growing variety, its height is not more than 5 m. It is characterized by the fact that it branches much weaker than all other species. By the appearance of its fruits, it resembles the Colomict variety. In an unripe state, the pulp of the berries is somewhat burning and sharp in taste. However, upon reaching full maturity it becomes juicy and sweet.
How to distinguish a female plant from a male
Despite the fact that there are self-fertile varieties of actinidia, the photo of which allows you to determine the characteristics of this plant, in order to get a good harvest, you need to plant male and female specimens together, since the liana is dioecious. It is worth noting that up to 10 female plants can be planted per 1 male plant.
In greenhouses, male plants are mainly planted along the edge of the trellises, and on the infield, the most important thing is that there are no tall buildings between the vines, as they will interfere with pollination. To distinguish male plants from female, you need to wait for the flowering period. Female species have single flowers, in which the pestle and embryo of the future berry are located.
A male flower consists of inflorescences and mainly 3 buds are located on one stalk. It lacks a germ and pestle, and also has many stamens.
Planting actinidia
How to grow kiwi? This question worries so many gardeners who want to plant an ornamental plant with tasty and juicy fruits on their site.
It is best to plant actinidia in a place protected from cold winds, and the distance from the foundation of the house should be at least 100 cm. It is advisable to place it next to the support. As a support, you can use:
- pergolas;
- nets made of kapron fishing line;
- arches;
- lattice.
If the liana will fit snugly to the house, then do not worry about this, as it can provide additional protection against the damaging effects of external factors.
Planting should be done in early spring, even before the buds begin to bloom. However, if you plant it in the fall, then the chances of rooting in the plant are also quite large. In the autumn, you need to plant cuttings with a good rhizome.
Actinidia can grow in one place for more than 50 years, which is why you immediately need to prepare a large pit for planting, the size of which is approximately 60 x 60 cm. At the bottom, it is necessary to make drainage from crushed brick, gravel or expanded clay. Then the pit needs to be filled with fertile light soil. To prepare the soil mix you need to mix:
- garden land;
- humus;
- ash;
- superphosphate.
Actinidia should be planted so that after shrinkage of the earth, the root part is located at the level of the soil. In a constant place, one- and three-year-old planting material takes root well. Adult plants tolerate planting much worse, and with improper care they can die.
Do not make a hole around the vine, as it will lead to decay of the rhizome. After planting a seedling, it must be watered. After the second irrigation, the soil is loosened, as well as mulching.
In order for the seedling to take root well in a new place, after planting it for 15 days, it is advisable to cover it with a light cloth or paper. Planting actinidia colomict and caring for it are very simple and do not require much effort and time. Since this culture emits special substances that are somewhat similar to valerian, it strongly attracts cats. Therefore, caring for a plant involves the use of a metal mesh, if there is access for animals to it. It additionally needs to be dug into the ground by 10 cm to prevent the possibility of digging by cats.
Plant care
The care and planting of colomict actinidia is quite simple, since this plant does not require special attention from the gardener. Liana very poorly tolerates dry earth, overdried air, and also whimsically refers to nearby growing trees and shrubs. Leguminous and currant bushes favorably affect the growth and fruiting of actinidia.
Kiwi cultivation does not cause any difficulties, the most important thing is to carry out regular weeding, as well as get rid of diseases and pests in a timely manner. Liana needs abundant watering, especially in the warm season, and in winter it needs to be slightly reduced. During the growing season, you need to fertilize with mineral fertilizers every month.
Up to 3-4 years of age, kiwi actinidia should be transplanted annually in the fall or at the very beginning of spring, and then the transplant is carried out once every 3-4 years. This will ensure faster growth of the vine and increase fruiting. In addition, you need to regularly inspect the plant for diseases and pests, trim it to form and tie it to a support.
Most suitable for the Moscow region is the Colomict actinidia variety, which tolerates frosts well, which is why the vine is not removed from its supports for the winter. However, in spring it is very vulnerable and can suffer from cold. Therefore, at this time it is necessary to provide a protective shelter. The best material is spandbond, as it allows air and moisture to pass through, but at the same time protects the plant well from frost.
How is the reproduction
Reproduction of actinidia colomict is very simple, it is quite possible to do it yourself. The easiest and most reliable way - reproduction by layering. This will allow you to get a strong and healthy plant for the next year. After the liana blossoms, you need to choose the strongest shoot, tilt it to the ground and fix it.
Top with a mound about 10-12 cm high, consisting of a mixture of earth and sawdust. In the summer you need to water it all the time and remove the weeds. After the formation of shoots, you need to wrap it with a net to protect it from animals. The following year, you can separate the shoot from the mother bush and plant it in a permanent place.
It is possible to propagate actinidia by cuttings. In this way, you can get a lot of planting material. In mid-July, you need to cut off several strong annual shoots and prepare 10-15 cm cuttings from them. You need to take into account the fact that seedlings of actinidia colomict must have 2 internodes and 3 buds. The uppermost kidney should be located 4 cm below the cut.
Until the middle of the stem, you need to remove all the leaves, and the top - cut off by half, thereby reducing evaporation. As a result, the roots will begin to appear much faster. After this, you need to prepare the soil for the greenhouse, which must be carefully leveled and watered. Plant seedlings at an angle of 60 degrees. The distance between them should be approximately 5 cm. The sprouts are deepened to the middle so that the second bud is at the level of the soil. In the early days, you need to spray 5 times, and in the morning and evening open the greenhouse briefly. After 2 weeks, you can remove the coating. For the winter, it is necessary to warm the young shoots, and in the spring to plant the plant.
Seed cultivation
Propagating mini-kiwi seeds is a fairly popular and simple method. They are collected from healthy and ripe fruits, which must be washed under running water and left to dry. In early November, the seeds need to be soaked in water for 4 days and at the same time daily change the water for fresh. Then for 2 months place them in a sandbox, remove once a week, rinse and ventilate. At the beginning of March, transfer the container to a warm room.
It is important to monitor the temperature, as the seeds can go to rest. In mid-summer, you need to plant seedlings in a greenhouse. They should already have 2 leaves. Sprouts need to be watered and regularly cleaned of weeds. After a few years, you can transplant them to a permanent place.
Trimming
After planting actinidia colomict, care must be taken to ensure that the plant grows well for a long time and bears fruit. It is imperative to carry out timely pruning, which will help control the development of excess branches, increase the growth rate and development of the fruit. This procedure must be performed in early spring.
Properly performed pruning will help to ensure the movement of air through the branches and open the inside of the bush to ensure the penetration of light, which helps to improve the taste of the fruit.
In winter, before the start of the growing season, you need to cut branches 3-5 cm above the support. For the next year of growth, you need to take 2-3 strong lateral stems and branch them to the sides, tied to a wire. In winter, you need to trim their tips so that new buds begin to develop in the spring.
Every year, you need to remove all side shoots growing from the bottom of the trunk, and not to allow their active growth. If actinidia is grown as a decorative plant, then it can be left without special supervision and only periodically remove unnecessary branches. It is worth noting that such a plant will begin to bear fruit much later and the fruits will be of much worse quality.
To achieve the best harvest, you need to carefully monitor your vine and trim in a timely manner. It is worth remembering that with proper planting and care, the actinidia of the colomict will grow and bear fruit for more than 50 years.
The use of actinidia
Ripen fruits usually begin in late August. The first frosts are not terrible for them, but the main crop is best removed before the onset of frost, as they can provoke berry fall. In addition, fruits damaged by frost are not stored for a long time.
The use of actinidia is almost unlimited, since jam, liquor, compote, wine can be prepared from its berries. You can get raisins and candied fruits from them, but they bring the most benefit if you consume them fresh.
Actinidia is a very valuable plant that contains a lot of sugar and pectins. They contain much more vitamins than in lemon. By the content of ascorbic acid, berries are second only to rose hips. In addition, the fruits have a lot of tannins, organic acids and sugars.
In folk medicine, actinidia is widely used as a good prophylactic for bleeding, scurvy, whooping cough, tuberculosis, caries. It is very useful for poor immunity, exhaustion, constipation, as well as in the postoperative period. In fresh berries, grated with sugar, vitamins are stored throughout the year.
In addition to its beneficial nutritional properties, actinidia is also known for its decorative qualities. Autumn leaf color is somewhat reddish, which can serve as a decoration for absolutely any garden. It can be used to decorate fences, walls and gardens. The stems beautifully curl up the support, so this vine is well suited for the ennoblement of a small garden, as it takes up very little space. Men are distinguished by the fact that they have very colorful leaves, which looks very interesting and original. From the beginning of summer, the ends of the leaves begin to whiten gradually, and then turn pink.
Features of the fruit
From one adult bush, you can collect up to 7 kg of fruit in one season. The plant begins to bear fruit from about 3-4 years, with each year the yield increases. The berry weighs about 1-5 g, depending on the type of plant. The fruit can be a variety of green tones with a thin skin and a pleasant taste, which is somewhat similar to kiwi.
When harvesting, there may be certain difficulties associated with the fact that the berries are not spelled at the same time and crumble when grazing branches. This problem can be very easily solved if pieces of fabric and film are spread under the bushes.
But the uneven ripening of fruits has a downside. The plus is that berries can be enjoyed for several months.
Diseases and Pests
The advantage of actinidia is immunity to diseases. Powdery mildew or other fungal diseases may result from improper cultivation. Stains appear on the leaves. To eliminate the use of fungicides.
Pests attack the liana infrequently, but bark beetles, some caterpillars and leaf beetles can cause harm. The main preventive measure is the removal of all plant residues from the site and their disposal. At the beginning of growth, the vine should be sprayed with Bordeaux fluid. Systemic insecticides should be used only as a last resort.
Possible growing problems
In some cases, the plant can grow well, but not bear fruit. This can be due to the fact that only female or male vines grow on the site. If, after planting seedlings, they disappeared, then most likely they were eaten by cats that dig up the root. If the leaves begin to change their color - do not worry, as this is a feature of the plant.
Growing actinidia in your personal plot may require some effort, but if you choose a suitable place for it, then it will be able to decorate the site and delight with delicious fruits.