How to Grow Kiwifruit (hardy varieties) in Alaska

Growing kiwifruit in Alaska may sound like a daunting task due to the state’s cold climate and short growing season. However, with the right techniques and careful planning, you can cultivate hardy varieties of kiwifruit that can thrive even in challenging conditions. This guide will provide you with essential tips on selecting the right varieties, preparing your garden, planting, caring for your plants, and harvesting your delicious fruit.

Understanding Hardy Kiwifruit Varieties

The first step to successfully growing kiwifruit in Alaska is choosing the right varieties. The two main types of kiwifruit are:

1. Hardy Kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta): Often referred to as Arctic kiwi or baby kiwi, these varieties are cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°F. They are smaller than the common kiwifruit but have a sweet and tangy flavor.

2. Common Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa): This variety is not suitable for Alaska’s climate since it cannot tolerate extreme cold.

When selecting hardy kiwifruit varieties for your garden, consider the following popular options:

• Hardy Arctic Kiwi (A. arguta ‘Hardy’): This variety produces small, smooth-skinned fruits that ripen in late summer.
• Ananasnaya: Known for its exceptional flavor and sweetness, this variety is well-suited for cooler climates.
• Issai: This self-pollinating variety is ideal for smaller gardens and produces sweet fruits.

Preparing Your Garden

Before planting your hardy kiwifruit, proper site preparation is crucial to ensuring healthy growth.

Selecting the Right Location

Kiwifruit vines prefer full sun exposure for at least 6-8 hours a day. Choose a south-facing location that receives maximum sunlight and has good air circulation.

Soil Requirements

Kiwifruit thrives in well-drained soils enriched with organic matter. Conduct a soil test to ensure optimal pH levels between 5.5 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, you may need to amend it accordingly. Additionally, consider adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.

Supporting Structures

Kiwifruit vines are vigorous climbers that require sturdy support systems to thrive. Construct a trellis or pergola using materials like wood or metal fencing to provide adequate support for the vines as they grow.

Planting Kiwifruit

Once your garden is prepared, it’s time to plant your hardy kiwifruit.

Timing

In Alaska, the best time to plant kiwifruit is in late spring after the last frost date when the soil has warmed up. This is typically around late May or early June depending on your specific location within the state.

Spacing

Space your plants approximately 6-10 feet apart to allow for adequate airflow and room for growth. If using a trellis system, ensure that each plant has enough space to climb without overcrowding.

Planting Technique

1. Dig a hole about twice the size of the root ball.
2. Place the plant in the hole so that the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface.
3. Fill the hole with soil and gently tamp it down to eliminate air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish roots.

Caring for Your Kiwifruit Plants

Once planted, ongoing care is essential for healthy growth and fruit production.

Watering

Kiwifruit plants require consistent moisture, especially during their first year of establishment. Water regularly during dry spells but avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Mulching around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Look for fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in appropriate ratios (e.g., 10-10-10). Follow package instructions regarding application rates based on plant size and age.

Pruning and Training

Pruning is vital for managing vine growth and encouraging fruit production:

• Training: As your vines grow, guide them along your trellis or support structure. Use soft ties or twine to secure them without damaging the stems.
• Pruning: In late winter or early spring while plants are still dormant, prune back excessive growth from previous seasons. Remove any dead or damaged wood while aiming to maintain an open canopy that allows sunlight penetration.

Pollination Considerations

Most hardy kiwifruit varieties are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. To ensure fruit production, plant at least one male vine alongside several females for effective pollination.

Some excellent male varieties include:

• AR1 (Male): A vigorous male plant that provides ample pollen for female varieties.
• Maki Male: This variety also offers good pollen production for cross-pollination.

Pest and Disease Management

Regular monitoring of your plants will help you identify potential issues before they become severe problems.

Common Pests

Be vigilant against pests such as aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers:

• Aphids: These small insects feed on sap; treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Spider Mites: Look for webbing on leaves; wash them off with a strong stream of water or use miticides if necessary.

Diseases

Kiwifruits can be prone to diseases like powdery mildew and root rot:

• Powdery Mildew: Prevent this fungal disease by ensuring proper air circulation through pruning and spacing.
• Root Rot: Avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage as a preventive measure against root rot.

Harvesting Kiwifruit

Patience pays off when it comes time to harvest your kiwifruit! Generally, hardy kiwi fruits ripen between late summer and early fall:

1. Monitor your fruit carefully as it changes color from green to a more golden shade.
2. Harvest before the first frost hits but allow them to ripen further indoors if they are not quite ready.
3. To harvest, gently twist the fruit off the stem rather than pulling; this helps prevent damage to both fruit and plant.

Conclusion

Growing hardy kiwifruit in Alaska presents an exciting opportunity for gardeners willing to adapt their techniques to fit their unique environment. With careful selection of appropriate varieties, thorough preparation of your garden space, diligent care throughout the growing season, and strategic harvest practices, you can enjoy delicious homegrown kiwifruits even in this challenging climate.

By following these guidelines, not only will you cultivate thriving kiwifruit vines but also experience the joy of enjoying fresh fruits straight from your backyard! Happy gardening!