Kiwi is one of the most popular fruits, because it is rich in fiber and vitamins that are essential for the proper functioning of our body. To grow it, we need to have male kiwi and female kiwi.
Furthermore, for pollination to occur, these specimens cannot be too far from each other, as we will explain below.
Kiwi, a dioecious tree
The fruit trees that They need a male and a female specimen to produce fruit. are dioecious.
In these cases, the male flowers and the female flowers are on different specimens, and it is necessary that the pollen produced by the male flowers pollinate the female flowers so that the fruit can appear.
To obtain good results with dioecious trees, take into account these previous considerations:
- Good pollination requires one male plant for every eight to ten female plants.
- Not all varieties of dioecious trees of the same species are compatible with each other.
- Plants should be close enough that pollinating insects can do their work, but not so close that trees compete with each other for nutrients and water.
Male kiwi and female kiwi, how to tell them apart?
Knowing the sex of the tree is essential to obtain fruit and to know how many specimens of each gender we should plant if we want to obtain a good harvest.
What we have to do in this case is look at the flowers:
Male flowers
- They have the long stamens At first glance, you can see that they have abundant, deep yellow pollen.
- They do not have a pistil.
Female flowers
- They have a pistil qwhich is clearly visible. It is white and sticky, because its function is to receive pollen.
- These flowers They have stamens, but they are less developed that in male specimens and their pollen production is also noticeably lower.
There are a few other differences between male and female plants. For example, female plants are more vigorous and have more leaves, but this is a difficult difference to notice, because the vigor and number of leaves a tree has can vary depending on the environmental conditions it is exposed to or its age. So the easiest way to do this is to pay attention to the flowers.
How far apart should the male and female kiwi be to obtain fruit?
It depends on the available growing space, but ideally there should be a maximum of 1000 sq. ft. between each tree (regardless of whether it is male or female). minimum distance of three meters. This makes pollination easier as well as cultivation tasks.
Furthermore, as we have pointed out before, it is advisable that there be one male specimen for every eight or ten female specimens.
Although this is the general rule, it should be noted that it does not always work well. Because there are kiwi varieties that are particularly vigorous and therefore need a little more space to be able to grow.
On the other hand, if we are growing in an area with strong winds, it is recommended to plant the trees closer together so that they protect each other.
What is especially important is Distribute male plants strategically along the row, so that the pollen reaches all the female plants. In addition, varieties that are compatible with each other must be chosen, so it is advisable to consult with experts before purchasing and planting the trees.
In case of low fruit production, you can resort to manual pollination. Using a small brush, you can remove pollen from the male stamens and transfer it to the female flowers.
Tips for getting a bigger harvest
If you want your kiwi harvest to be abundant and of quality, take note of these tips:
Variety selection
Choose trees that adapt well to the climatic conditions of your region and that they are known for their high production and the good quality of the fruit.
Also, remember to check that the male kiwi and the female kiwi are of compatible varieties so that pollination is effective.
Crop care
Make sure to keep the soil always wet, especially during the flowering and fruiting season, but without flooding the substrate.
You can apply a fertilizer that is balanced and tailored to the plant's needs. For quality fertilization, you can measure the levels of nutrients such as nitrogen to know if the tree needs more or less.
makes a regular pruning to encourage air circulation between the branches and the entry of light. Also, if you notice any diseased or damaged branches, remove them as soon as possible.
And don't forget to apply preventative treatments to avoid pests and diseases, as well as corrective treatments if you have detected the presence of insects or diseases.
Driving system
To help the tree grow you can use a trellis system to guide its growth and facilitate harvesting.
When the plant is still very young, it uses the tutors, which will be responsible for helping the tree grow straight.
Pollination
You will get better results if you attract pollinating insects such as bees to the planting area. You can do this by planting honey-producing flowers, which are especially attractive to them.
If you do not achieve good results, you can practice the manual pollination as we have explained to you before.
Harvest
Harvest the fruit at its optimum point of ripeness to ensure its good flavour and quality. Always handle them with care so as not to damage either the fruit or the tree itself.
winter protection
Kiwi is a tree that is sensitive to cold. If you are in an area with low temperatures, you will have to protect it during the winter by applying a layer of mulch at the base.
Renewal of plants
Every so often, renew the older plants. This will help you maintain constant production.
If you give them the necessary care and plant them at an appropriate distance, the male kiwi and the female kiwi will reward you with their fruits.