On 24 Feb 2003 15:48:20 -0800, (Mark)
wrote:

I know this isn't how one should go about starting new crops, but I
did it anyway:

I bought a kiwi fruit, which was enjoyed by all, and I saved some
seeds.

I have seen kiwi vines growing in fairly temperate climates, but I
have never really looked into growing them myself.

If I get some starters from these seeds, am I likely to have any luck
growing them in my backyard? (USA Zone 6a/b) Is there a version of
kiwi that is hardy enough for my zone?


There are kiwis that are hardy for your area, but they
aren't the ones in grocery stores.

The hardy kiwi fruits are smaller and fuzzless - about
double the size of a grape, I'd say. I've had them, they're
very good, IMHO. And it's nice that you don't have to peel
them.

Miller Nurseries carries them - probably a lot of others do
too.

http://www.millernurseries.com/cart....duct_list&c=54

Most kiwis require cross-pollination, so you'd need both a
female plant(s) and at least one male.

I believe you'll also need VERY strong support for them:
the one I saw in Baltimore, MD was tremendous - it was about
15 years old and it was just HUGE. It was growing on a
very, very strong, sturdy arbor, made of pipe.

Pat
--
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