Overgrown Hardy Kiwi

Question

I had planted 2 hardy kiwi fruit plants 3 years ago. I had never pruned them because I didn’t know how to. One plant has about a dozen blossoms. They are growing on an 8-foot high fence and are totally rampant and out of control. How and when should I prune them to get them to be manageable?

Answer 1

These vines should be pruned on an annual basis. Not only does this help keep them manageable, but also improves their fruit production. Fruit comes from growth of new wood on year-old plants. The best time to prune is at the last part of winter while the plants are dormant. Decide where your main stems are going and the biggest ones from last year (at least a foot apart) and cut off the rest. Don’t worry, these vines can take hard pruning.