The Summer Pruning of Kiwi Plants

Kiwi fruits originated in Asia but are now grown all over.

Kiwi fruits originated in Asia but are now grown all over.

Kiwi plants (Actinidia deliciosa) produce tasty fruit, and the most common varieties are hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 7 and above. In the U.S., they grow well along the West Coast and in the South. Because of their vigorous growth, kiwi vines require pruning during the summer.

Early Sumer Female Pruning

Kiwi plants grow fruit on the female plants, so female plants receive less pruning than male ones do. After female plants begin to flower during early summer, you can encourage the growth of fruiting shoots by pruning shoots that do not have flowers. It is also helpful to trim shoots that are starting to curl or tangle. The idea is to thin out the canes so that the flowering canes have at least 8 inches between each other.

Late Summer Female Pruning

Later in the summer, kiwi plants begin to grow vigorously and require more pruning to keep them from becoming a tangled mess. Pruning should untangle the vines, remove damaged canes and keep the plants from becoming overly crowded. Leave the healthy year-old canes that have not yet fruited, because year-old canes are the ones that produce fruit. You can, however, prune year-old canes back so that they have 8 to 12 buds left.

Early Summer Male Pruning

Male kiwi plants do not grow fruit, so gardeners grow them for their flowers. It is safe to prune them heavily after they flower and fertilize the female plants in early or mid summer. After the plants are done flowering, gardeners should cut male flowering canes back to 20 to 24 inches. They can also be pruned as needed to keep them from crowding nearby female vines.

Late Summer Male Pruning

If male plants continue to grow vigorously after being pruned in early summer, they will require a second pruning in late summer. During August or September, head the male vines to 29 to 30 inches. Heavy pruning during summer allows you to avoid pruning male plants during winter, which encourages maximum flowering during the next growing season.

Pruning Tips

Proper tool usage makes pruning as easy and safe as possible. Hand clippers work well for canes up to 3/4 inch in diameter, and longer lopping shears work better for wider canes up to 1 3/4 inches in diameter. The sharper the tools are, the easier they will be to use. It is always smart to protect your eyes with safety goggles or sunglasses, and leather gloves can protect the hands from cuts and scratches.

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