Hardy kiwi, or Actinidia arguta, is a fruit-bearing vine that can thrive in colder climates. But to get the most out of your hardy kiwi plant, it’s important to know how and when to prune it properly. Pruning helps control the size of the vine and encourages healthy growth and fruit production.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to prune hardy kiwi step-by-step.
When to Prune Hardy Kiwi
The best time to prune hardy kiwi is during its dormant season. In most areas, this will be sometime between late fall and early spring before new growth begins. Pruning while the plant is dormant reduces stress on the vines and minimizes damage from pruning cuts.
Tools You’ll Need
To prune hardy kiwi effectively, you’ll need a few basic tools:
– Bypass pruners: These are used for making clean cuts on smaller branches.
– Loppers: For cutting thicker branches up to 1 inch in diameter.
– Hand saw: For removing larger branches or stems.
Make sure all your tools are sharp and clean before starting so that you don’t accidentally damage any part of your plant.
How to Prune Hardy Kiwi
Follow these steps carefully when pruning your hardy kiwi:
1. Start by removing any dead or damaged wood from the previous growing season. Look for brown or shriveled stems that feel brittle when touched.
– Use bypass pruners for small stems under ½ inch thick
– Use loppers for larger stems up to 1 inch thick
– Cut back each stem until only live green tissue remains
2.Remove all crossed over shoots:
– Choose one dominant stem where two have grown close together
– Remove other shoot
3.Cut back any lateral branches that grew from the main stem, leaving only 2-3 buds on each branch.
– Use bypass pruners to make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle right above the bud.
4.Trim back new growth:
– New shoots should be tipped in summer to encourage branching
– Wait until the vine has grown at least 1 meter long before tipping
Final thoughts
Pruning hardy kiwi is an essential task for keeping your vines healthy and productive. By following these steps, you’ll give your plant the best chance of producing abundant fruit year after year. Remember that pruning is not one size fits all, it depends on each unique situation so always assess what needs doing before starting anything drastic!
