North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Dan Nave <nave1@comcast.net>]

> From http://www.burntridgenursery.com/plantArticles/kiwigrowingguide.pdf

> WINTER CARE OF THE FUZZY KIWI:  The biggest problem
> we have seen in growing the Fuzzy Kiwi in western Oregon
> and Washington has been frost damage to the lower trunk.
> While the top of the plant is hardy to below 10 degrees
> when dormant. Sunny weather with very cold nights can
> cause freeze damage to the lower portion of the trunk. In
> many cases this damage is severe enough to girdle the
> plants causing the death of the top. While plants often send
> up new shoots, the top growth is lost. To prevent this damage,
> wrap the lower 2-3 feet of trunk with insulating material
> such as ¼ inch closed cell foam. Mulch heavily around
> the base of the plant as well if severe weather threatens.



On 12/22/2010 11:35 AM, Hilborn.E@epamail.epa.gov wrote:
> My lone male Hardy kiwi pollinator appears to have severe cold injury.
> The bark on its trunk is hanging off and cambium is exposed.  This is
> its second winter and I was surprised to see this.  However,, we have
> had unusually early and deep cold and it has lasted longer than usual.
>
> I notice that the lateral branches appear to be flexible and viable.
> Can I hope to save scion wood if harvest this early?
>
> I was hoping to graft to my female of the same age to get some
> pollination this and next year while I wait for a new male to become
> established.
>
> Does anyone have experience with grafting techniques and grafting timing
> for hardy kiwi?
>
> Betsy Hilborn
> 7a NC where we have experienced 11 degree F lows twice this December!