Best Fertilizer for Kiwi Plant – Complete Growing & Feeding Guide

Kiwi plants (Actinidia deliciosa) are a rewarding addition to Australian gardens, offering vigorous climbing growth and delicious, vitamin-rich fruit. For home gardeners, understanding the correct care and fertilisation strategy is key to transforming young vines into productive fruiting plants. With the right approach, your kiwi plant can thrive for decades, producing lush foliage and abundant crops each season.

Kiwi Plant Overview & Growth Habits

Kiwi plants are fast-growing deciduous vines that require space, support, and the right climate to produce fruit successfully. They are native to China but have been widely adapted to temperate regions worldwide, including many parts of Australia. Known for their vigorous growth, kiwi vines can stretch over several metres in a single season when well-fed and supported.

Key characteristics of kiwi plants include:

Botanical name: Actinidia deliciosa (common green kiwi); Actinidia chinensis (gold kiwi)
Growth habit: Vigorous climbing vine requiring a strong trellis or pergola
Fruiting behaviour: Dioecious plants (separate male and female) except self-fertile varieties like ‘Jenny’
Time to fruit: Typically 3–5 years after planting in optimal conditions

Popular varieties in Australia include ‘Hayward’, the classic green kiwi known for its firm, sweet fruit, and the yellow-fleshed ‘Gold’ varieties that thrive in slightly warmer conditions. Planting a compatible male and female pair—or a self-fertile cultivar—is essential to achieve successful pollination and fruiting.

How to Grow & Maintain Healthy Kiwi Plants

Growing a kiwi vine successfully in Australia requires attention to location, soil preparation, and structural support. These plants are vigorous climbers and need room to spread, but they will reward your effort with lush growth and heavy crops once established.

Sunlight: Kiwi vines thrive in full sun in cooler climates and prefer protection from harsh afternoon sun in hotter regions. At least 6–8 hours of light daily ensures healthy growth and flower production.

Soil: Deep, fertile, and free-draining soils are best. Kiwis prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–7.0). Prior to planting, enrich the site with well-aged compost or organic matter to improve nutrient retention and drainage.

Watering: Consistent moisture is essential during the growing and fruiting seasons. Avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot, but never allow the soil to dry out completely during hot spells.

Support & Pruning: Kiwi vines require a sturdy trellis or pergola to support their heavy canopy and developing fruit. Regular pruning is crucial:

Prune in winter to remove tangled growth and encourage productive fruiting spurs.
Train the main vine along the horizontal wires of a trellis to maximise sunlight exposure and airflow.

Common issues include yellowing leaves from iron deficiency, fungal diseases in overly humid conditions, and poor fruit set due to inadequate pollination. Regular monitoring and seasonal care will keep your vine healthy and productive.

Fertiliser Needs & Seasonal Feeding Schedule

Fertilising kiwi vines correctly is crucial for strong vegetative growth, flowering, and heavy fruit production. A balanced feeding routine supports healthy leaves early in the season and maximises fruit yield as the season progresses.

Nutritional Needs:

Moderate nitrogen to support vine and leaf growth without causing excessive soft growth
Phosphorus and potassium to enhance flowering, fruit set, and overall plant resilience
Micronutrients such as magnesium, iron, and zinc to maintain healthy green foliage

Seasonal Feeding Guide for Australia:

Early Spring: Apply a balanced NPK fertiliser (e.g., 20‑20‑20) to support new shoot growth after dormancy.
Mid-Summer: Switch to a potassium-rich formula to encourage flowering and fruit development.
Autumn: Reduce feeding as the plant prepares for dormancy; avoid heavy nitrogen applications late in the season.

Always apply fertiliser in a wide ring 30–50 cm from the trunk, water thoroughly afterwards, and avoid overfeeding, which can result in vigorous leaf growth but poor fruiting.

Recommended Product: For kiwi plants, we recommend CompleteGrow All Purpose Plant Liquid Fertiliser NPK 20‑20‑20. Its balanced formula with essential micronutrients supports vigorous vine growth, lush leaves, and reliable fruit production in Australian conditions.

FAQs – Kiwi Plant Fertilisation & Care

When should I fertilise kiwi plants in Australia? Begin in early spring, continue through summer, and taper off in late summer to avoid excessive vegetative growth.
What is the best NPK ratio for kiwi plants? A balanced NPK like 20‑20‑20 works well for early growth, with a shift toward higher potassium during fruiting.
Why is my kiwi plant not fruiting? Ensure you have both male and female plants (unless using self-fertile varieties), provide adequate sun, and avoid excessive nitrogen.
Can kiwi plants grow in pots? Yes, but they require large containers, sturdy support, and careful feeding and watering.
How long until a kiwi plant bears fruit? Typically 3–5 years from planting under ideal growing and fertilisation conditions.