Planting and caring for actinidia (kiwi) in a greenhouse, open ground and at home, growing rules

In the deciduous forests of Primorye, in the subtropical latitudes of Asia and the island of Java, there is a plant that surprises with its bizarre shoots and enchants with the beauty and aroma of white and pink flowers. Actinidia is one of the most ancient cultures; it survived the Ice Age, therefore it adapted to low temperatures and normally tolerates cold snaps. Knowing the peculiarities of planting and caring for actinidia, the tree can be grown in a summer cottage or suburban area.

Botanical description

The name of the shrub vine is translated from Greek as a ray; the columns on the ovary are located in a similar way. The genus, of which Actinidia is a representative, unites up to 70 species. In the wild, the tree is found in the Himalayas. Clinging to the branches, the vine rises to a height of almost 15 meters. Thin young shoots with a reddish tint are covered with shiny lentils. Actinidia grows in greenhouses and greenhouses; it looks great as a hedge, but without support it does not reach 2 meters.

The large leaves of the vine look a little like a heart and are distinguished by the fact that they change color at each time of the year. In spring they have a yellowish color, at the beginning of summer they acquire a green tint, during flowering the tips become white, then pink and even crimson. Thanks to this phenomenon, actinidia looks unique. Buds are formed in leaf blades. Some plant species have snow-white corollas, while others have yellow or orange flowers with a delicate aroma.

Actinidia deliciosa grew in China and began to be cultivated in Europe only at the end of the last century. The fruits of such a vine are sold on the market and are known to everyone as kiwi.

In mid-latitudes, a representative of the family is grown in dachas for decorative purposes and used as a flowering hedge.The fruit of frost-resistant varieties of deciduous vines is small in size and densely covered with hairs; not all fruits are eaten.

How to distinguish a male plant from a female one

Dioecious actinidia has 2 types of flowers. When they first appear, you can determine by their structure which gender the tree or shrub belongs to. A significant number of stamens and the absence of a pistil characterizes the male vine; female specimens have it, and pollen is transferred to them by bees, wind, and wasps.

Buds form in the leaf axils of young shoots, actinidia blooms for 10 days, and an ovary forms on the female plants, which over time turns into fruits of a yellowish or orange color.

The stamens of male flowers have the ability to pollinate; it is from them that insects transfer pollen to female plants. To harvest fruits rich in ascorbic acid, you need to plant 2 vine trees nearby.

Varieties of varieties

Actinidia kolomikta found in fir and spruce forests of Primorye and Khabarovsk Territory, on the Kuril Islands and in China. The liana reaches a height of 8 meters, tolerates frosts of almost 40 ° C, green leaves turn white in summer, and turn pink by autumn. Even in the last century, thanks to Michurin’s work, several varieties of perennial vines appeared. Large and tasty berries delight:

• Marmalade;
• Waffle;
• Grape;
• Queen of the Garden.

The trees are adapted to temperate climate conditions, feel normal in open ground, and produce 3 kg of berries at a young age.

Actinidia pineapple arguta will grow 10 meters in height. The fruits are green with a brown blush and appear in the fourth year. They have a sweet and sour taste and a delicate aroma.

In mid-latitudes, gardeners grow:

1. Vitacola with cylindrical berries decorated with white stripes.
2. Dr. Szymanowski, the fruits combine the aroma of pineapple and apple.
3. September - pleasing with a good harvest of yellow-green fruits.
4. Adam is an ornamental vine with pink leaves.

Among the delicious variety of actinidia, Hayward is especially valued; the description of the berry attracted the attention of the inhabitants of the Mediterranean. In the south of Europe, in Israel, this variety is cultivated on an industrial scale; the Chinese gooseberry, as it is called, has taken root in the North Caucasus, in the Krasnodar Territory. A monoecious vine with a glossy surface does not require an additional pollinator, the buds are collected in inflorescences up to 6 cm in diameter, the large white petals have a pinkish tint. The oval fruits, whose weight reaches 150 g, are stored for almost 4 months; from one tree they collect from 7 to 9 buckets of delicately flavored fruit.

In the middle zone, the vine is grown in a greenhouse and a room with good lighting, although it can withstand frosts of more than 25 degrees, it is cultivated only in closed ground.

For growing at home

To plant in a room, you need to select a low-growing actinidia that will not take up much space. The liana takes root well in greenhouses and insulated loggias, where the air temperature does not fall below 7 °C and the humidity remains at the same level.

Varieties of Chinese actinidia grow normally in a pot or tub:

• Bruno;
• Abbot;
• Hayward;
• Monty.

In order for the vine to delight with berries, you need to place 2 trees nearby - a male and a female. After they take root, you have to install supports.

In the open ground

Although actinidia can grow in a pot, a full harvest can be obtained by cultivating the overseas guest in the garden. In the middle zone, varieties of kolomikta and argut, bred by Moscow breeders, bear fruit:

1. Queen of the Garden. He rarely gets sick and does not suffer from insects. Flower buds form in the axils of the yellow-green leaves. From the bush they collect up to a kilogram of olive-colored berries that smell like pineapple.
2. University. The liana is of medium height, resistant to frost, and delights with elongated fruits with delicate pulp and an aroma reminiscent of strawberries. The green skin is decorated with white stripes.
3. Gourmand. The tree is distinguished by reddish shoots and dark leaves. The sweet berry weighs about 4.5 grams. The variety has been cultivated since the late nineties.

In what areas can actinidia be planted?

In the Krasnodar Territory and the North Caucasus, the Chinese liana takes root and bears fruit. In the Hayward area of ​​Sochi, Bruno is cultivated on an industrial scale, and Tomuri is used for pollination. In central Russia, kolomikta and arguta are planted. In the Moscow region and in the Urals, summer residents grow decorative actinidia and varieties Vafelnaya, Lakomka, Doctor Shimanovsky, which are adapted to the conditions of the local climate.

Reproduction methods

There are several methods for growing exotic vines on your property. The easiest way to do this is when you already have one plant. In spring, the strongest shoot located below is pressed to the ground and covered with soil, leaving the end on the surface.

Cuttings

In the last days of July they resort to another method of reproduction. At this time, the fruits increase in size and the branches gain strength. Having chosen the strongest ones, they are shortened to a meter and the ends are placed in water. The shoots must have at least three buds for propagation by green cuttings to be successful.

First, the blanks are placed in a greenhouse, and only then grown in an open area. Gardeners who know how to plant actinidia will be enjoying the sweet and sour fruits within a few years.

Seeds

Is it possible to grow a tropical liana in any other way? Summer residents who do not have a plant to cut the shoot are interested in. From ripe fruits, you need to collect the seeds, peel the pulp and dry them.

How to grow seedlings

Seeds that are sold in specialized retail outlets usually undergo stratification. If the grains are independently prepared from the berries of a subtropical vine, they must be hardened.

Preparing seeds for planting

At the end of autumn, actinidia seeds are soaked for four days, constantly draining the water and adding fresh water to the container with the seeds. After drying, they are placed in a box with damp sand, left in the basement, and after 2 months they are transferred to a warm place to germinate.

Soil preparation

Liana seedlings do not take root in clay soil, do not tolerate stagnant water, and love loose soil. At the bottom of the box where the seeds are placed, pebbles are placed, which allows moisture to pass through well and serves as drainage, and it is filled with a mixture of turf soil, humus and sand.

Planting germinated seeds in the ground

When 2 leaves appear on the seedlings, shallow grooves are made every 5 cm in the soil poured into the container; the sprouted actinidia seeds should be planted in them very carefully. Liana bushes are sent to a permanent plot in open ground at the age of no more than 2 years.

Necessary conditions for good growth

In order for actinidia to develop and delight with flowering and fruits, it is better to choose a place for it on a small hill, the area should be protected from northern winds.

Soil composition

The subtropical liana grows well on fertilized lands with a low level of acidity and on neutral soils, does not take root where water comes close to the surface, and does not tolerate lime. When planting actinidia in a hole, be sure to make a drainage layer.

Temperature

The liana, bred specifically for cultivation in temperate climates, can withstand frosts up to 40 ° C, but young trees need to be covered with pine needles or leaves for the winter. The danger for actinidia comes from negative temperatures in spring; at minus 8, the buds die.

Lighting

In the wild, the liana grows in the partial shade of sparse forests. And although, like other subtropical crops, it needs sun, it is better to protect the tree from direct rays.

Technology and features of plant care

In order for actinidia to develop well and delight with fruits, it must be watered, fed, and pruned.

At home

The liana should be planted on a windowsill that faces south or west. The air must be moistened, otherwise actinidia will shed its leaves; the tree is sprayed with warm water in the morning and evening. In winter and early spring, you need to make sure that it has enough light.

On open ground

In mid-latitudes, frost-resistant varieties of actinidia are cultivated in dachas and gardens. To provide the vine with moisture, once a week 8 buckets of water are poured under each bush, after which the ground is loosened. Fertilizers are applied in the spring, before the appearance of the ovary and in the fall. For foliar feeding, “Aquadon-Micro” and “Immunofytofit” are used. In order for the vine to cling to the branches and rise, they place a support and pull the wire. If everything is done correctly, the plant takes on a decorative appearance.

In the greenhouse

In the middle zone, germinated actinidia seedlings are not immediately transplanted into open ground, and in the northern regions the vine can only be grown in a heated greenhouse, where constant humidity, high temperature, good lighting are maintained, and fertilizing is carried out regularly.

How does kiwi react to improper care?

If there is a lack of nutrients, which happens in the absence of timely fertilizing, the vine grows and develops poorly, and with either excess or lack of moisture, the tree sheds its leaves and may die.

When to expect flowering and fruiting

In order for dioecious actinidia to produce a harvest, you need to plant a male and a female plant. If you create optimal conditions for development and carefully care for them, the vine produces flowers with large petals at the age of 3–4 years. In their place, a green ovary is formed. In autumn, at some dachas you can see actinidia with small fruits.

Diseases and pests of vines. Ways to deal with them

During a long drought, actinidia growing in the garden are attacked by caterpillars and spider mites that feed on the juice of the leaves and gnaw through the skin of the berries. They fight them by spraying trees with insecticides. The liana is affected by powdery mildew and anthracnose. To protect actinidia from diseases, they resort to treatment with fungicides - “Radomil”, “Switch”, “Horus”.

We also have to fight against soil pests in the form of the cockchafer and armyworm, which damage the roots; Aktara solution is poured into the ground. Herbicides such as Roundup are used to kill weeds.