How to Grow Kiwifruit in New Zealand
A New Zealand icon and a vigorous deciduous vine that needs a very strong pergola or T-bar trellis. Plant in winter while dormant and grow one male for up to eight females unless you choose a self-fertile type. Shelter from wind, feed well and prune hard in winter.
When to plant kiwifruit in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | June, July, August |
| Auckland | June, July, August |
| Waikato & BoP | June, July, August |
| Wellington | June, July, August |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June, July, August |
| Canterbury | June, July, August |
| Otago & Southland | June, July, August |
| Central Otago | June, July, August |
Best kiwifruit varieties for NZ
- Hayward — The classic green fuzzy kiwifruit, the standard backyard female vine, needs a male pollinator. (Waimea Nurseries, garden centres)
- Bruno — Heavy-cropping green variety, vigorous, needs a male pollinator. (garden centres)
- Tomuri (male) — Late-flowering male pollinator that matches Hayward, one male serves several females. (Waimea Nurseries)
How to grow kiwifruit
- Space plants about 400cm apart.
- Sow seed around 20cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 730 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 1 days.
Companion planting
Grow kiwifruit near: Comfrey, Nasturtium, Marigold.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Passionvine hopper, Scale, Leafroller, Birds. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Kiwifruit plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant kiwifruit in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in June, July, August. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy kiwifruit seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Waimea Nurseries, garden centres.