Kiwi fruit

Established kiwi fruit should be pruned twice a year in the UK.  They can be grown espalier styled.  Some plants are self-fertile, but others need a male pollinator to set fruit, so make sure you read the plant guidance carefully when you select to purchase a kiwi plant.

In winter prune the vine after the last fruits are harvested (which can be as late as November) to encourage more fruit next year, and prune in summer (from June) to keep these vigorous plants in check.

Winter pruning: cut existing laterals (shoots arising from the main arms) back to 3 to 4 buds beyond the last fruited stems.  Each year, cut back 1/4 to 1/3 of the oldest laterals to a bud around 2 inches (5cm) from the main stems: new growth will be produced from these stubs in the growing season.

Summer pruning:  once fruit has set, pinch back sides hoots leaving 4-5 leaves beyond the maturing fruit.  Cut back any non-fruiting laterals to 5 leaves from June onwards.  These short shoots will produce fruit in the following season.   Pinch out and remove surplus laterals that have developed from the main horizontal arms (aiming for 8-12 inches spacing) and shoots arising from the main stem.