Description

Kiwi Seedlings

Explore the high-value potential of kiwi farming with Organic Farm’s certified kiwi seedlings (Actinidia deliciosa and Actinidia arguta), featuring premium varieties like Hayward (fuzzy kiwi) and Issai (self-fertile kiwiberry). These nutrient-rich fruits, packed with vitamins C, E, fiber, and antioxidants, are in high demand in Kenya, where imports from Italy, India, and China dominate. Organically propagated in Muranga, Kenya, our KEPHIS-certified seedlings are propagated from cuttings for faster maturity and true-to-type traits, ideal for small-scale and commercial farmers looking to capitalize on a lucrative market gap.

Benefits of Kiwi Farming

• Nutritional Value: Kiwis offer 4x the vitamin C of oranges, supporting immunity, skin health, and digestion; ideal for health-conscious consumers.

• Versatile Uses: Enjoy fresh, in juices, smoothies, jams, or desserts; processed into wines or dried snacks for value addition.

• High Profitability: Yields 5–10 tonnes per acre, fetching KSh 100–200 per fruit (KSh 500–800/kg) locally, generating KSh 2.5–8 million per acre annually. Kenya imports over 90% of its kiwis, creating a strong local market opportunity.

• Long-Term Investment: Vines produce for 20–40 years with proper care, offering sustainable income through fresh fruit and propagated cuttings.

Favorable Climates for Kiwis in Kenya

Kiwis thrive in temperate climates with temperatures of 15–30°C and 800–1,500mm annual rainfall, requiring a frost-free growing season of 200+ days. They tolerate altitudes of 1,000–2,500m.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Central Kenya: Murang’a, Nyeri, Kiambu, Limuru

• Western Highlands: Kitale, Kakamega, Bungoma

• Rift Valley: Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Nyandarua

• Eastern Kenya: Meru (higher altitudes)

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained loamy or sandy loam with high organic matter; avoid waterlogged soils to prevent root rot.

• Soil pH: 5.0–6.5 (slightly acidic); amend with lime if needed.

• Drainage: Plant on raised beds or improve drainage by mixing topsoil with sand and compost in a 3x3x2 ft hole.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Kiwi

Site Preparation

• Select a sunny site with 6–8 hours of sunlight, sheltered from strong winds to protect vines; install windbreaks if necessary.

• Clear weeds, rocks, and debris; plow to loosen soil and ensure proper drainage.

• Test soil pH and enrich with compost or well-decomposed manure.

Hole Preparation

• Dig holes 30–60cm wide and deep (1–2 ft), spaced 4–5m apart (150–200 vines per acre); closer spacing (2.5m) for kiwiberry varieties like Issai.

• Mix topsoil with 10kg well-decomposed manure and 125g double superphosphate fertilizer.

Planting Seedlings

• Use KEPHIS-certified seedlings from nurseries like Organic Farm, propagated from cuttings for faster fruiting (2–4 years vs. 5–9 years for seed-grown). Include male and female vines (1 male per 6–8 females) unless using self-fertile varieties like Issai.

• Plant in March to leverage long rains, placing the root collar at soil level; backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly.

• Soak roots in water for 2–3 hours before planting to reduce transplant shock.

Trellising

• Install a sturdy trellis (6–7 ft high, T-bar or pergola) at planting with galvanized wires to support heavy vines and fruit (up to 100 pounds per vine).

Mulching

• Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., straw, wood chips) to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch 5cm from the vine base to prevent rot.

Caring for Kiwi Vines

• Irrigation: Water young vines every 2–3 days (20–30 liters weekly) during dry periods; use drip irrigation to maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Mature vines need irrigation during fruit swelling.

• Fertilization: Apply compost or NPK 10:10:10 twice yearly; use high-potassium fertilizers (e.g., Vitax Q4) in spring to boost flowering. Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent root burn.

• Pruning: Prune vigorously in dormancy (April–August) to remove old wood and train new shoots; thin clusters to improve fruit size. Retain last year’s wood for fruiting.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for bacterial infections like Psa (Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae); use biochemicals suitable for citrus or grapes. Control pests (aphids, mites) with neem oil or traps. Maintain orchard hygiene.

• Pollination: Ensure male and female vines flower simultaneously; hand-pollinate by rubbing male flowers on female flowers if needed.

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: 4–5m for fuzzy kiwi (Hayward); 2.5–3m for kiwiberry (Issai).

• Population: 150–200 vines per acre for fuzzy kiwi; up to 400 for kiwiberry. Include 1 male per 6–8 females unless self-fertile.

Expected Production

• Per Vine: 20–50 fruits (2–5 kg) by year 3–4, increasing to 100–200 fruits (10–20 kg) at maturity (5–8 years).

• Per Acre: 5–10 tonnes by year 5–8, yielding KSh 2.5–8 million at KSh 100–200 per fruit or KSh 500–800/kg.

• Fruiting Timeline: Begins 2–4 years after planting, with peak production at 5–8 years; harvest from September–November after the first frost. Fruits store for 4–6 months at 0°C.

Why Choose Organic Farm’s Kiwi Seedlings?

Organic Farm is a trusted leader in sustainable agriculture in Kenya, empowering farmers with quality inputs. Our kiwi seedlings offer:

• KEPHIS-Certified Quality: Propagated from cuttings of premium varieties (Hayward, Issai) for faster maturity, high yields, and disease resistance, certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.

• Superior Varieties:

  • Hayward (Actinidia deliciosa): Fuzzy, brown-skinned, green-fleshed, tangy-sweet; ideal for fresh and processed markets.

  • Issai (Actinidia arguta): Self-fertile, smooth-skinned, grape-sized kiwiberry; sweet, high-yielding, suited for smaller spaces.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance on planting, trellising, pollination, and market linkages for local and export markets.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic propagation preserves soil health and biodiversity, aligned with good agricultural practices (GAP).

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya (e.g., Murang’a, Kitale, Nakuru) and East Africa.

Seize the opportunity to meet Kenya’s growing kiwi demand, where local supply lags far behind imports. Order your kiwi seedlings from Organic Farm to establish a thriving vineyard that delivers nutritious, profitable harvests for decades!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com