Anyone have experience with hardy kiwi or kiwi berry? I am fonding different things about the length of growing season, and I'm very confused how a plant that is so cold hardy (growing in cold areas) doesn't have ripe fruit for 200+ days? Anybody growing in USDS zones 6b-7a?
#ASKNOSTR #gardening #homestead #homesteading #plantstr #plebs #plebchain #permaculture
5b reporting in here. We are planning on getting a kiwi that is native (i.e. before the Europeans arrived in North America). Small, smooth skin. I can dig into our research notes if you want more info, but we aren't growing them yet, so I don't think we'll have any answers for you.
Just wanted to let you know that you are not the only one out there interested in this. And we have solinatia planned for the back patio next year and kiwi the year after (because, crop rotation).
I’m growing a few varieties in 7b-8a, only in their 2nd year though. I have eaten kiwis off the vine in cookville, TN before
I'm wondering if I could have that, or if I need to grow till frost and harvest, then store until fully ripe. One guy I was listening to said you pick them at 8 brix, then allow to ripen off the vine. I just don't get the stuff I have seen that it needs like 5.5 months to ripen on the vine.
Idk but I’d say it’s worth you trying. My vines grew over 4ft just this year, they’re vigorous here. I’ve heard of people growing them in Alaska
Cookeville is my same zone so thanks for sharing
One of my relatives has a handful of plants in zone 7b, they're at least 20 years old. Very prolific, delicious fruit. The fruit all ripens basically together in the fall, maybe a few weeks to a month window.
I can try to answer any questions, or put you in contact with him if you'd like.
