I know about Kiwi because I grew about 10 of them from seed. They are cut back almost completely by frost, but each spring they sprout up and grow very quickly into very attractive vines. Mine have wonderful red stems and the leaves and stems are covered with soft, red spines. They have yellow flowers. Mine are growing outdoors, but I do live on the coast and have a moderated climate due to the gulf-stream. They don't seem to mind the searing north wind, or the salt that the winds bring now that they are well established, but I provide a bit of shelter each spring when they sprout up by putting a large potted grass plant on the northerly, seaward side.
You will think this is a bit daft, but seriously, you will need to watch that any local cats don't get at them while they are young and supple. Cats love Kiwi plants even more than they love cat-mint, and will roll all over the plant ecstatically pulling off leaves and biting through stems. I've made a wire-netting frame for the lower part of the plants so they are protected where they can easily be reached. Once established there seem to be few problems with the plants and they are very easy to grow - you can sprout the seed easily in a tray covered with a plastic bag. You can use the seed of a fruit from the supermarket if you are looking for a few extra plants for fertilization. It doesn't seem to matter which specific variety you use. Great plants! I've had lots of fun growing them.
Thanks for the fab reply Dinah and the warning about cats, I have got 3 cats!!! I have been back to Morrisons todays hoping to pick up another couple of plants but unfortunately no joy x
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I know about Kiwi because I grew about 10 of them from seed. They are cut back almost completely by frost, but each spring they sprout up and grow very quickly into very attractive vines. Mine have wonderful red stems and the leaves and stems are covered with soft, red spines. They have yellow flowers. Mine are growing outdoors, but I do live on the coast and have a moderated climate due to the gulf-stream. They don't seem to mind the searing north wind, or the salt that the winds bring now that they are well established, but I provide a bit of shelter each spring when they sprout up by putting a large potted grass plant on the northerly, seaward side.
You will think this is a bit daft, but seriously, you will need to watch that any local cats don't get at them while they are young and supple. Cats love Kiwi plants even more than they love cat-mint, and will roll all over the plant ecstatically pulling off leaves and biting through stems. I've made a wire-netting frame for the lower part of the plants so they are protected where they can easily be reached. Once established there seem to be few problems with the plants and they are very easy to grow - you can sprout the seed easily in a tray covered with a plastic bag. You can use the seed of a fruit from the supermarket if you are looking for a few extra plants for fertilization. It doesn't seem to matter which specific variety you use. Great plants! I've had lots of fun growing them.
Thanks for the fab reply Dinah and the warning about cats, I have got 3 cats!!! I have been back to Morrisons todays hoping to pick up another couple of plants but unfortunately no joy x