How to Grow Kiwi from Seed at Home: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever thought of growing a kiwi tree at home? Yes, the same juicy, delicious kiwi you get from the market! I thought so too, and then I gave it a try. The journey has been so fun and learning that I want you to try it too. So, let me tell you how to grow kiwi from seed at home—the easy and loving way!

What You Need to Start Growing Kiwi

First, get some fresh (or slightly older) kiwi. If you have some kiwi lying around in the fridge that is on the verge of spoiling, that will work too! Grow kiwi from store-bought fruit? Of course, it's possible! You will need:

• A spoon or knife
• A bowl
• Paper towels
• A small plastic bag
• Good soil (compost or perlite mixed in)
• Small pots or trays
• A little patience and a lot of enthusiasm!

Step 1: Extract Kiwi Seeds with Care

Cut the kiwi into quarters. Now with the help of a knife or spoon, slowly scrape the seeds into a bowl. You can also put the seeds directly on a paper towel, but the pulp of the kiwi contains a gel-like substance, which can cause fungus. So first collect the seeds in a bowl. Planting kiwi seeds starts with this simple step.

Now add some water to the bowl and stir the seeds gently. Be patient, as this can take some time. The seeds that start floating after adding water are bad. Remove them. Wash the rest of the seeds with water repeatedly to remove the gel-like substance. When the seeds start looking clear, you are ready for kiwi seed germination!

Step 2: Germinate Kiwi Seeds Easily

Take a paper towel and lay the cleaned seeds on it. You can carefully place the seeds one at a time, or go the lazy route and spread them out. I prefer to keep them organized so it’s easier later. Best way to germinate kiwi seeds? Keep it simple and patient.  If you love to grow kiwi from seed, you might also enjoy learning how to grow strawberries at home using a similar paper towel method!

Now fold the paper towel and dampen it. Not too wet, just slightly damp! Put it in a small plastic bag and leave some air in the bag so mold doesn’t grow. Place the bag in a warm, dark place—18-22°C is ideal. Avoid too much heat (above 85°F), or the seeds may rot. Kiwi seedling care starts with this cozy setup.

Open the bag every 3-4 days to let some fresh air in. Now wait—how long does it take to grow kiwi from seed? Kiwi seeds may take 2-3 weeks to germinate. My seeds germinated in 21 days, and when I saw them, I was overjoyed!

Step 3: Plant Kiwi Seedlings in Soil

When your seeds sprout little white tails, they are ready to go into the soil. I made a mistake—rushing all the seedlings into one tray. But be careful. How to plant kiwi seeds in pots? Here’s how.

Put good soil in a tray or small pot. I mixed compost and perlite to make the best soil for growing kiwi plants because it is light and airy. Place a paper towel in the soil because the seedlings are very small and delicate. If you want, you can plant 5-6 seedlings in individual pots. Growing kiwi in containers is so easy, and if you’re into pot gardening, check out how to grow tomatoes in pots at home for more fun!

Keep the soil slightly moist and place the pot in a place that gets indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, otherwise the tiny plants may get scorched. Growing kiwi in containers is perfect for small spaces!

Step 4: Care for Your Kiwi Plants

Now it’s your job to give these little plants some love. My plants taught me patience. I kept some plants outside and some indoors in a grow-box. The ones outside grew slowly, while the ones inside started turning red quickly. I later learned that the red color can be caused by nutrient deficiencies or stress. Kiwi plant care is all about balance.

Water the plants regularly, but don’t make the soil too wet. If you live in a colder area, bring the plants indoors in winter. How to protect kiwi plants in winter? Keep them indoors in the UK or USA’s colder climates. One of my plants was nibbled at by squirrels, but I didn’t give up. I brought it inside, and it started growing fast again! Growing kiwi indoors is perfect for colder months, just like you can grow garlic indoors at home to keep your garden thriving!

Step 5: Discover the Magic of Kiwi Berries

Did you know there are tiny, cute things called kiwi berries? These tiny kiwis are sweeter than larger ones and have smooth skins that can be eaten. I also tried how to grow kiwi berries from seed. You need a male and a female plant for this, as kiwi pollination tips are necessary for kiwi berries to fruit.

I germinated kiwi berry seeds the same way—paper towels, light water, and lots of love. These plants can grow well in cool weather, which is great for those of us who live in Canada like me. Growing kiwi vines in the UK or USA? Kiwi berries are a great choice!

Top Tips for Growing Kiwi at Home

• Be patient: Growing kiwi from seed indoors is easy, but it takes time. My plants took over a year to fruit.
• Soil care: Choose light, airy soil and add some compost. Soil that is too wet can lead to mildew. Check kiwi soil requirements for best results.
• Train the plants: Kiwi plants grow like vines. Grow them with kiwi trellis ideas to save space and keep the plant looking pretty.
• Caution: Kiwi plants grow very quickly. Avoid planting them near walls or fragile trees or they can get damaged. Hardy kiwi varieties are strong but need space.

My Journey: A Heartwarming Adventure

I started with one kiwi, and today I have several plants. Along the way, I made mistakes—rushed, gave in to squirrels, and sometimes got frustrated. But every time I saw my plants grow, I felt like they were my little babies. Step-by-step guide to growing kiwi at home? It’s a journey of love.

Once I even grew a kiwi seed floating in my drink, and it grew into a big plant! It’s all a result of patience, effort, and love. Growing kiwi is not just gardening, but an experience that brings you closer to nature. Tips for growing kiwi in USA climate or UK? Just keep trying! If you’re excited to grow kiwi from seed, you’ll love trying to grow bell peppers from seed indoors for another rewarding adventure!

Conclusion Try Growing Kiwi Yourself!

So now it's your turn! Take a kiwi from your kitchen, take out the seed, and start this fun journey. If your plants start growing, do let me know. I would love to hear your experiences. Easy ways to grow kiwi in small spaces make it perfect for everyone.

Remember, every seed has a new plant hidden in it, and every plant has your love. So let's grow kiwi and make your home green!

FAQ: Growing Kiwi from Seed at Home

How long does it take to grow kiwi from seed?
It usually takes 2-3 weeks for kiwi seeds to germinate. Growing a full kiwi plant that produces fruit can take 3-5 years with proper care.

Can I grow kiwi indoors in the UK?
Yes! Growing kiwi indoors in the UK is possible. Use a sunny spot, well-drained soil, and protect the plant from cold drafts.

What are the best kiwi varieties for home gardening?
Hardy kiwi varieties like ‘Issai’ and kiwi berries are great for home gardening in the USA and UK due to their cold tolerance.

How do I protect kiwi plants in winter?
Bring kiwi plants indoors or cover them with mulch in winter, especially in colder climates like the UK or USA’s northern regions.

Can I grow kiwi in small spaces?
Absolutely! Growing kiwi in containers or using a trellis makes it easy to grow kiwi in small spaces, perfect for balconies or patios.

How do I pollinate kiwi plants at home?
Kiwi plants need male and female plants for pollination. Hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male flowers to female flowers using a brush.

What is the best soil for growing kiwi plants?
Use well-drained, slightly acidic soil mixed with compost and perlite for healthy kiwi plants. Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.