Are there kiwi varieties for hot climates?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.When it comes to growing kiwi in warmer climates, heat tolerant types, especially _Actinidia deliciosa_ 'Saanichton 12,' are available. This type has been successfully grown in USDA Zone 9 in the afternoon shade typically produced by a tree and with drip irrigation. Unlike cold hardy-type kiwis, Mediterranean-type kiwis require 200+ frost-free days and soil that is well-drained with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Heat-Tolerant Varieties
- Saanichton 12: Tolerates 100°F (38°C) with 30% shade
- Vincent: Thrives in USDA Zones 8-10
- Blake: Self-fertile, needs 400 chill hours
Cultivation Tips
- Install 50% shade cloth June-August
- Water 10 gallons weekly via drip lines
- Graft onto _A. chinensis_ rootstock for drought resistance
Irrigation approaches help to minimize heat stress. In my orchard in Arizona, I use double-layered mulch as my insulator, namely 2" wood chips on top of landscaping fabric. Under the mulch, I keep the soil temperature 10°F (5.5°C) cooler than bare soil. The best practice is to irrigate early in the morning when the evaporation is the lowest, also, irrigating late in the evening often can cause fungal problems in humid areas.
Leaf Scorch
- Apply kelp spray every 14 days
- Increase humidity with misters
- Prune 20% foliage to reduce transpiration
Poor Fruit Set
- Hand-pollinate during cooler morning hours
- Boost potassium levels pre-flowering
- Use reflective mulch to lower soil temps
When grafted onto drought-resistant rootstock such as _A. eriantha_, survival rates are increased. My 'Vincent' plants showed an increase to 25 lbs/vine in Texas heat while my own root plants only yielded 8 lbs. Grafting should always be sealed with asphalt emulsion to prevent desiccation, a tip I learned from vineyard growers.
Read the full article: How to Grow Kiwi: Expert Guide for Home Gardeners
