Kiwi fruits, which have recently ceased to be exotic for Russians, grow on the branches of a tree-like vine. The plant belongs to the actinidia family and is called Chinese actinidia. Despite the fact that it is of Chinese origin, New Zealand can rightfully be called the birthplace of cultivars, where the modern name - kiwi - was fixed for the fruit, and later for the vine itself.
The shaggy fruit of Chinese actinidia (kiwi) fell in love with the Russians, although recognition did not come to him immediately. However, when purchasing kiwi, as a rule, for the festive table, no one thinks about which plant bestows such tasty and healthy fruits. Often people are at a loss as to whether it is a bush or a tree. In fact, kiwis grow on a tree-like vine.
The most favorable climate for kiwi
And it is not surprising that knowledge about actinidia is limited, because on the territory of the former Soviet Union, the science of growing kiwi is still being mastered in nurseries of the Krasnodar Territory and Abkhazia. Basically, fruits are supplied to Russia by Chile, Italy, New Zealand. Perhaps it will seem strange that China is not among the named territories. Actinidia, although it comes from there, but the varieties of kiwi, which are abundant today on the counters of markets and shopping centers, are cultivated from the seeds of a wild small-fruited plant in New Zealand.
The seeds of the Chinese actinidia were delivered there no more than a century ago and took root in the best way possible on New Zealand soil. In the same place, actinidia received its new name - kiwi in honor of the bird of the same name, which has a certain external resemblance to the fruit. The first to grow kiwi from seed was New Zealand farmer Allison. His innovation was picked up by his compatriots and soon varietal large-fruited actinidia appeared, the size of the fruit of which surpassed the wild species by 2-3 times. Wild fruits barely reached 30 grams in weight and had an unattractive sour taste.
Experimental gardeners of the Volgograd region and the Moscow region are also trying to "tame" an exotic vine, but the experience is not always positive. The fact is that kiwi does not tolerate severe frosts and requires a solid shelter, following the example of a grapevine. The scorching summer sun of Volgograd sometimes mercilessly burns out the fruits and leaves of the plant, which prefers the humid summer of the subtropics. Perhaps, when crossed with more cold-resistant varieties, breeders will be able to create new species of actinidia. Then many more Russians will be able to see firsthand how kiwi are growing.
Growing features
Kiwi is a rather aggressive vine. In the wild, its massive branches use neighboring trees as support. As a result, the captured tree simply dies, providing the actinidia with comfortable fruiting on its crown. The already weighty vine is made heavier by fruits that grow in bunches. Therefore, in the conditions of the garden plot, the owners need to take care of the presence of a trellis. Moreover, the support traditionally used for the vineyard is unlikely to fit. Kiwi branches grow throughout the growing season and sometimes reach 25 meters.
Solid supports are also needed because the root system of the kiwi does not go deep into the soil, but is located on the surface. Despite the fact that there are many nutrients in these layers of soil, regular watering and feeding with mullein is only welcome. Moisture is especially needed during the flowering period. It is important, on the contrary, not to overdo it with mineral fertilizers. Actinidia is not afraid of diseases and pests, but can be seriously affected by the through wind, so you should provide a barrier with the help of other horticultural crops.
Rounded leaves the size of an adult palm tend to change color. This happens during the summer season, when the color scheme passes all stages, from green to red. Another feature of kiwi lies in the fact that for fruiting you need to have female and male plants in the garden. You can, of course, resort to artificial pollination, but in pairs they feel better.
