Originally from the warm climates of Asia, kiwi vines actually do surprisingly well in our neck of the woods! However, because our growing season is a bit different, they take their sweet time to ripen—often stretching all the way into late autumn. If you’re wondering how to handle your backyard bounty, here’s everything you need to know about harvesting kiwis:
Your Very First Kiwi Harvest
If you’ve set your vines up in the perfect sunny spot, you can usually expect your first real harvest between the 3rd and 5th year after planting. Just a quick tip for beginners: to get fruit, you generally need both a male and a female plant. Keep them within about 12 to 15 feet of each other so the bees can do their job. One hardworking male plant can actually pollinate up to seven female vines!
Once your vines are loaded up, harvest time typically hits between October and November. depends mostly on the specific variety you’re growing (like the fuzzy ones we see in stores or the smooth-skinned hardy kiwis). When they’re ready, you can simply twist the fruit off the vine by hand or use a sharp pair of garden shears for a cleaner snip.
Understanding “Pick-Ready” vs. “Eat-Ready”
Here is the thing about kiwis: they are usually rock-hard when you pick them. Like apples, pears, or bananas, kiwis reach “picking ripeness” before they are actually ready to eat. This post-harvest ripening process is absolutely essential if you want that signature sweet, tropical flavor instead of a sour crunch.
The Best Way to Ripen Your Kiwis
To [link u=kiwi-nachreifen]ripen your kiwis like a pro, lay them out in a single layer in a shallow box or tray. Avoid stacking them on top of each other, as that’s a recipe for mold and rot. Since they don’t all ripen at the same speed, keep an eye on them and pull out the soft ones as they become ready to eat.
If you’re looking to store your harvest for a while, keep them in a cool, dry place. At a room temperature of around 55°F to 57°F, it usually takes about three to four weeks for the fruit to soften and develop its full aroma—but they’ll stay fresh much longer this way.
On the other hand, if you’re impatient and want a snack *now*, just move a few to a fruit bowl in your warm kitchen. Pro tip: tuck an apple in with them! Apples release ethylene gas, which acts like a natural ripening booster, turning those hard kiwis soft and delicious in just a few days.
