Content
From bud to flower
The first flower buds of the early kiwi varieties can already be discovered in the second half of April, with the late varieties they appear from the beginning of May. About 4-6 weeks later you can admire the kiwi plant in bloom.
The buds are referred to in the fruit tree as eyes. It differs depending on the location and content
The flower buds of kiwis are formed on the previous year's wood. With some Kiwiarten one can already recognize the number of buds, whether it is male or female flowers. The male plants of Actinidia arguta usually produce more than six flower buds per fruit shoot, while the females usually carry only half as many buds. The male plants of Actinidia kolomikta can be recognized even at the white or pink leaf tips.
Male and female flowers
If your female kiwi plant flowers but does not flower, it is probably a male kiwi. The flowers of the male and female kiwis can be distinguished well. While the male flower has only yellow stamens in its center, the female flower in the middle still contains the white stylus, around which yellow stamens are arranged.
fertilization
The kiwis are dioecious plants. Only female plants can produce fruit. From their flowers, however, can only develop fruit, if in their proximity also a male plant grows, which is required for fertilization. One male plant is enough to fertilize six to nine female shrubs.
In the trade many varieties are available with hermaphrodite flowers, z. Jenny or Issai, on which male and female organs unite in a flower. These are self-fertile and do not rely on pollinator plants. However, it is advisable to plant a pollinator in the immediate vicinity for better yields even with the self-fertile varieties.
Tips & Tricks
The commercially available kiwi plants are grafted and already bloom in the 3-4 year.