Complete care guide for premium tropical seedling. Follow these instructions for optimal growth and maximum yield.
Category
tropical
Price
KES 500
Time to Fruit
Kiwi's nutritional profile, ri...
Detailed care instructions for growing your Kiwi seedling successfully
Needs 1,000-1,500 mm of well-distributed rainfall. In drier areas like parts of Nakuru, drip irrigation during dry spells supports fruiting. Regular watering is essential during establishment and fruiting periods. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to retain moisture.
Requires 6-8 hours of full sunlight daily for healthy growth and sweet fruit. Avoid shaded or low-lying areas. Full sun exposure is essential for optimal fruit development.
Thrives in well-drained, fertile loamy or sandy loam soils with a pH of 5.0-6.5. Poor drainage leads to root rot, so prioritize soil aeration. Planting: Dig holes 30-60 cm wide and deep, mixing soil with 10-15 kg of manure. Place seedlings with the root collar level with the soil. Install sturdy trellises (2-2.5 meters high) to support climbing vines. Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture.
Prefers 10°C-25°C, with cool winters for proper flowering. Frost below 0°C can harm young plants, while extreme heat above 30°C reduces yields. Ideal areas include Central Kenya (Kiambu, Nyeri, Meru), Rift Valley (Nakuru, Eldoret, Kericho), and Western highlands (Kisii, Kakamega). Kiwi thrives in temperate climates, fitting well in Kenya's highland regions.
Apply balanced NPK fertilizer during growing season. Use organic manure (10-15 kg per planting hole) mixed with soil at planting. Apply NPK 10-5-5 quarterly during active growth periods. Regular fertilization supports healthy growth and fruit production.
Space vines 4-6 meters apart to fit 100-150 vines per acre, ensuring room for trellises and airflow. This spacing allows for proper support structures and facilitates management and harvesting.
Kiwi's nutritional profile, rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, appeals to health-conscious buyers, driving demand in urban centers and abroad. Plus, kiwi's ability to be intercropped and its relatively low labor needs make it ideal for small-scale farmers looking to diversify. Timing: Plant in March to catch the long rains, or use irrigation in dry seasons. Training and Pruning: Train vines onto trellises to form a single trunk with 2-4 permanent cordons. Prune annually in the dry season (January-February) to remove dead or tangled shoots, encouraging fruiting on new wood. Thin excess fruits to improve size and quality.
Phase 1
Prepare soil, plant seedling, water thoroughly
Phase 2
Regular watering, fertilizer application
Phase 3
Pruning, maintenance, pest management
Phase 4
Harvest and ongoing maintenance
Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Use mulch to retain soil moisture. Install drip irrigation for efficient water delivery. Water deeply but less frequently.
Protect plants during cold periods with covers or windbreaks. Choose appropriate planting locations. Consider frost-resistant varieties. Water plants before expected frost to help protect roots.
Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. Remove affected leaves and maintain good air circulation. Control ants that protect aphids.
Use horticultural oil or neem oil during dormant season. Prune heavily infested branches. Maintain plant health to reduce susceptibility. Scrape off scales manually for small infestations.
Min Temperature
10°C
Ideal Sunlight
6+ hrs
Water Frequency
Regular
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Order this premium Kiwi seedling today and begin your agricultural success story