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Post by thereddragon on Apr 1, 2011 7:13:35 GMT 1
I came across someone growing kiwi fruit against a south facing wall.
What are the chances of getting some fruit?
I'm thinking of growing them myself, any tips?
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hellfire
I'm settling in nicely
Posts: 224
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Post by hellfire on Apr 1, 2011 9:17:36 GMT 1
They grow extremely well here in sheltered sunny spots with the fruit appearing in late summer/autumn but take some years to come. However, you do need a male and female tree to make fruit although I suggest you go to a nursery and have a word because it maybe now that they have developed a species that "pollenates itself". We get a lot of those seed catalogues come each year and they advertise kiwi trees but warn about the sexes as well.
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Post by troll on Apr 1, 2011 9:20:53 GMT 1
There are "autofertile" varieties now. They produce less fruit, but are ideal if you don't want too many trifids in your garden!! Kiwis grow brilliantly here in west 29. A big plus for me is they keep for weeks after harvest.
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Post by thereddragon on Apr 1, 2011 9:54:19 GMT 1
Many thanks all I shall search out some plants!
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Post by Elkay on Apr 1, 2011 10:31:57 GMT 1
Check out how big they will grow, TRD - we made a mistake and planted one where there wasn't room for it to flourish (between the polytunnel and the barn - it grew up and into the barn) and we've had to kill it - it grew so big and was supposed to be autofertile but wasn't - I HATE killing growing things, you will laugh, I apologised to it as I sawed through its main stems!
My neighbour has a couple of plants and on a good year there is always more than enough fruit for us as well as for them. I should have consulted him before I planted ours - but didn't know him so well at the time (or how best to gros kiwi's!). He has a very strong frame for his and plenty of room.
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Post by thereddragon on Apr 1, 2011 11:13:33 GMT 1
Thanks for that Elkay We have just the place for it!!! Where the Eyeful Towers are. And no I didn't grow potatoes in them as our French neighbours warned us of the dangers Still, another friend told us just to line them, so I shall be doing just that!
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Post by ianh on Apr 1, 2011 13:55:46 GMT 1
Never mind growing well here - they grew well when I had an allotment in Manchester (not on my plot).
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Post by Pasha on Apr 1, 2011 14:57:29 GMT 1
During the winter months here -- the price of fruit and veg goes sky high -- But strangely -- not kiwi?? and its always available in the shops and good quality too -- Must get a load and make some jam-- that last batch of marmy I made last week lasted 3 days-- got a greedy tribe here with serious sweet tooths!!
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Post by Elkay on Apr 1, 2011 17:28:04 GMT 1
I made Kiwi Chutney, pash, and kiwi, apple and ginger jam - both were yummy. With so many being given from next door I really don't need to grow them. Your Eyeful Towers look absolutely ideal, TRD. I had limited space between my polytunnel and barn and it went berserk!! PS, TRD make sure your structure is sound, otherwise the kiwi may pull it down when it becomes heavy with leaves and fruit
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Post by thereddragon on Apr 1, 2011 18:05:52 GMT 1
SOUND!?! I was hoping the Kiwi would hold it up!! ;D
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