Crops › Kiwi (Hardy) › Ken's Red
Ken's Red
Kiwi (Hardy) in the UK
Ken's Red is a distinct variety that needs a male pollinator to set its lovely red-fleshed fruit. If you're after something a bit different and have space for two plants, this one's a winner.
Sow window for Kiwi (Hardy) generally.
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How to grow it
Kiwi seeds can be a bit slow to get going, mind. You'll want to sow them indoors, sometime in March or April, in a decent seed compost. Just a few millimetres deep, no more than 5mm really, and keep them warm, around 18-20°C is grand. A propagator or a warm windowsill is just the job. They can take their time to pop up, so don't be disheartened if you don't see anything for a few weeks, sometimes even longer, you know what I mean. Once they're up, give them plenty of light to stop them getting leggy.
When your seedlings are big enough to handle, with a couple of true leaves, prick them out into individual pots. Grow them on in a sheltered spot, making sure they don't get too cold. We need to harden them off properly before they go outside, usually late May up here in the North, once all danger of a late frost has passed. They need a cracking sunny, sheltered spot on the plot and strong support – a pergola or wires against a wall is ideal – they're proper climbers these. Give them a good bit of space too, at least a couple of metres between plants if you're putting in more than one.
More Kiwi (Hardy) varieties
Track your Kiwi (Hardy) from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
