Kiwi tree

Originally from Asia, the kiwifruit tree arrived in Europe at the end of the 19th century. It became popular in the 1970s. Much appreciated raw, kiwifruit can also be eaten in pies, mousse, compote, ice cream, salads and even in smoothies. Some people use them to add acidity to savoury fish or meat dishes. From the Actinidiaceae family, this fruit tree comes in male pollinating varieties such as Minkimale or Sorelli or female varieties such as Hayward or Belle de Chine. There are also self-fertile varieties such as Jenny.

Easy to grow, the kiwi appreciates rich, well-drained soil. It likes sunny areas and grows quickly near a pergola or trellis at the edge of the garden. It should be planted in early spring in a 50 x 50 cm hole, with one male plant for every five female plants, spaced a few metres apart.

The kiwifruit is a vine that can grow to several metres. It is therefore advisable to train it, for example along steel wire. Winter is the ideal time to prune the shrub. The pruning should be carried out in the third year. The gardener should keep the largest branches. When mature, this fruit tree needs a second pruning in summer. It takes several years (five) before the first fruits are harvested.