Subtropical kiwis are such a treat—there’s nothing like harvesting your own fresh, vitamin-packed fruit right in your backyard. If you’ve already got a vigorous kiwi vine and want more of them, you’re in luck! These plants are pretty enthusiastic growers. You’ve got three main ways to propagate them: layering, cuttings, or starting from seed.
The three ways to propagate kiwi plants:
- Layering (the easiest way!)
- Growing from cuttings
- Starting from seeds
Propagating Kiwis via Layering
If you’re looking for the path of least resistance to expand your kiwi patch, layering (sometimes called “dropping”) is your best bet. You can do this anytime during the growing season by using the long, flexible runners the mother plant sends out.
Find a young shoot near the base of the plant and bend it down to the ground. If you want to speed things up, you can very carefully nick the surface of the stem where it touches the soil. Pin that section down and cover it with a little bit of dirt, making sure the very tip of the shoot is still peeking out of the ground.
To help that “baby” plant develop its own root system, keep the soil consistently moist for both the mother plant and the new layer. Once you see strong root growth, you can snip the connection to the mother plant and transplant it to its new home.
Propagating Kiwis from Cuttings
Since kiwis are such fast growers, they also do great with cuttings. You can take softwood cuttings in early spring (before the new growth really takes off) or hardwood cuttings in late fall. Aim for pieces that are about 4 to 6 inches long.
Strip off most of the leaves, leaving just a couple at the top. Stick the bare end into some seed-starting mix or a sandy peat blend. These little guys need a shady spot protected from the wind. Keep the soil damp, but be careful not to overwater—you don’t want them sitting in a puddle!
Propagating Kiwis from Seeds
I’ll be honest with you: growing kiwis from seed is a labor of love. It’s definitely the most time-consuming method. Why? Because seed-grown kiwis usually take ten years or more before they ever produce their first fruit.
If you’re up for the challenge, scoop the seeds out of a ripe kiwi and give them a good rinse. You want to make sure all the pulp is gone, as it actually contains natural inhibitors that prevent germination. Gently press the seeds into some peaty potting soil and keep them nice and hydrated.
