🍎 Kiwi (Kiwifruit)
Actinidia deliciosa / A. arguta (hardy kiwi)
fruits perennial vine
☀️ Sun
full sun
💧 Water
consistently moist; roots are shallow and wide-spreading; mulch heavily
🗺️ Zones
7–9 (fuzzy), 4–8 (hardy kiwi)
🪴 Soil Type
deep well-drained loam, high organic matter
🧪 Soil pH
5.0–6.5 (acidic)
📏 Spacing
10-15 ft apart (vine; male plant needed for every 6-8 females)
📅 Days to Maturity
3-5 years (from planting); male+female needed, female vines fruit at 3-5 years
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ ["Fruit"]
🤝 Companions (7)
Potassium-rich mulch for fruiting; deep roots mine nutrients for shallow kiwi roots
🤝 Clover
Nitrogen-fixing groundcover under trellis; bee attractor for kiwi pollination
Groundcover suppresses weeds without deep root competition; aphid trap
🤝 Marigold
Nematode suppression (kiwi roots susceptible); general pest control
🤝 Garlic / Chives
Repel aphids and mites; antifungal for root health
Predatory insect habitat; tolerates dappled shade under vine
Attracts bees essential for kiwi pollination; repels some caterpillars
⚠️ Keep Apart (3)
⚠️ Walnut trees
Juglone toxicity — kiwis sensitive
⚠️ Aggressive trees/hedges
Root competition for water; kiwi roots are shallow and extensive
⚠️ Blackberry / Raspberry (same trellis)
Vigorous competition overwhelms kiwi; different pruning needs; tangled mess
💊 Medicinal Uses
Contains actinidin (proteolytic enzyme aiding protein digestion), high vitamin C, and serotonin. Rich in lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. Traditional Chinese folk remedy for digestive issues and as a blood tonic. Clinically studied for constipation relief, immune function, and sleep quality. Serotonin content may improve sleep onset and quality.