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nafex - [NAFEX] Propagating Hardy Kiwi

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  • From: "Kiwi Korners" <kiwidj@ptd.net>
  • To: "NAFEX" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [NAFEX] Propagating Hardy Kiwi
  • Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:58:01 -0500

Hardy Kiwi Propagation:
 
If you are working with young plants, you should get several shoots that grow from the original woody vine.  You should train one of the larger shoots, as a trunk, up the bamboo to the top wire. A second shoot can then be arched from the ground, back into the ground, and then up again (this is a type of "layering" process which Ron mentioned).  The buried portion of this alternate shoot will produce roots within a growing season, but it will also extract vigor from your primary vine.  Eliminate the remaining shoots.
 
The method in which we have achieved the most success is:
Utilizing "pencil sized" diameter scion wood cuttings which should be taken in late spring. Select non-flowering, vegetative growth that is 12 inches or more in length, and has started to harden off.  They should be 5 - 6 inches in length, which will have approximately 5 buds/nodes.  You can accelerate the hardening off process of young shoots by nipping the end off, and waiting about one week.
 
Rule of Thumb -  If you can crush the cutting in-between your thumb and your index finger, it's too early.  As the soft green shoots mature, they will develop a waxy like coating.  The shoots at this stage will be stiff enough to push into rooting medium without bending. 
 
Remove all of the leaves from the cutting except for one leaf at the top and cut that leaf in half.  At the bottom of the scion wood, cut entirely across the last bud/nodule diagonally. The scion wood can be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a 50/50 mixture of perlite and vermiculite.  Keep the cuttings in the shade and water frequently.  You should achieve a transplantable root ball within six weeks.  We have achieved a 6 foot high trunk with cordons established within two years.  The plant should flower in its third year. 
 
 
Vine Ratios:
 
In regards to arguta male/female planting ratios, we find that a 4:1 works very nicely.  We have achieved over 200 lbs. of marketable fruit on several vines that are over 60 feet in length, and eighteen years of age. 
 
 
Kolomikta:
 
As for the Kolomikta vines keep in mind that they enjoys 50 to 70% shade. 
 
 
The Cornell Minor Fruits website, http://www.hort.cornell.edu/extension/commercial/fruit/mfruit/kiwifruit.html, pictures were take at our farm approximately seven years ago.   The top image is of Ananasnaya before Western flower thrips found them attractive.  The center image is shows the early formation of raised beds, and the beginnings of better orchard management.  The last image is a flower from a Japanese "round" Issai vine. 
 
David Jackson & Holly Laubach
Kiwi Berry Organics
1701 Toby Run Road
Danville, PA  17821
 
 
 
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