Germination Rates of Kiwi Seeds

Germination Time

• It is easy to start the plants in spring with seeds collected from store bought fruit. It takes four to five weeks for the seeds to germinate after planting. (Reference 1). Each fruit contains a large number of black colored seeds. Scoop these out and clean off the flesh by rubbing them gently between a couple of layers of paper towels. Prior to planting, kiwi seeds have to go through a cold hardening period referred to as stratification.

Stratification

• Many seeds of fruit like kiwi that are native to colder regions have to be subjected to a certain period of cold before they can germinate. This process is called stratification. Half fill a small container with moist peat moss, scatter seeds on surface and cover with another light covering of moss. Put the box inside a clear plastic bag and place inside the fridge. Keep the peat moss moist while in the fridge. Leave seeds here for six to eight weeks.

Growing

• After stratification period is over, remove the box from the fridge and place in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Make sure peat moss remains moist and continue to cover with the plastic bag. After the seeds germinate, remove the bag and let the seedlings continue to grow until 2 inches tall. Transplant individual seedlings to 4-inch pots filled with moist potting soil. Once plants are taller and stronger, transplant to a permanent spot in the garden.

Cultural Requirements

• Plant the vine in a sunny site protected from high winds. Kiwi grows best in a fertile, well-drained soil with a preferred pH of 5 to 6.5. Avoid planting in salty ground and keep plants well irrigated throughout the growing season as kiwi is intolerant of drought. Poor water management is the leading cause of plant death. Kiwi vines are vigorous in growth and require room to spread and sturdy trellises to climb.