| Hi. My "Vincent" Kiwi Vine isn't doing well. It's not dying, but it's now growing either. It's 2 1/2 years old and is only 3 feet tall. The male vine has grown very well, but the female hasn't. It is a Monrovia plant. I still have the tags on it and bought it at the Capital Nursery in Elk Grove. Does it need fertilizing often? Please give me some tips. Thanks. |
| Your female kiwi vine requires the same care as your male, so if they've been given equal treatment in terms of full sunshine and ample water, there's really no reason for one to thrive and one to sulk. Kiwis are such vigorous growers that fertilizing usually isn't necessary. Take the opportunity this winter to dig up the vine and check the soil for good drainage. Carefully unearth your kiwi, cover the roots so they won't dry out, then fill the hole with water. After it drains, fill it with water again and check to see how quickly it drains. If the hole empties in 12 hours, the drainage should suit your kiwi. Before replanting, mix a little organic matter into the hole. Be sure to spread the roots out in a natural way, then backfill so that the plant is resting at the same level it was growing before. To encourage new growth, prune the kiwi back by about one-third. By this spring you should see some healthy new top growth on your plant. Best wishes with your kiwi! |
