Introduction

Kiwi plants are a popular fruit-bearing plant grown in many countries throughout the world. These plants require a consistent water supply to grow and produce healthy fruit. In this article, we will explore the question, how much water do kiwi plants need to thrive?

The Water Needs of Kiwi Plants

Kiwi plants require a consistent water supply throughout the growing season. A lack of water can cause the plants to wilt, and the fruit to shrivel and drop prematurely. On the other hand, over-watering can lead to root rot and poor fruit quality. The amount of water required by kiwi plants depends on several factors, including the climate, soil, and age of the plant.

Factors that Affect Kiwi Plant Water Needs

Climate: In hot, dry climates, Kiwi plants may require water every day, while in cooler, wetter climates, they may only need water once a week. In general, kiwi plants require more water during the summer months when temperatures are at their highest.

Soil: Kiwi plants require well-drained soil to avoid waterlogged roots. The type of soil also affects water retention, with sandy soils requiring more frequent watering compared to clay soils.

Age of the Plant: Younger kiwi plants have smaller root systems and require more frequent watering than mature plants, which can draw water from deeper soil levels.

How to Water Kiwi Plants

When watering kiwi plants, it is important to keep the water off the leaves to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. The best way to water kiwi plants is to use a soaker hose, which delivers water directly to the soil around the roots. This ensures that the water reaches the roots where it is needed most.

Water should be applied slowly and deeply to encourage the roots to grow deeper and strengthen the plant. Kiwi plants require 1 to 2 inches of water per week during the growing season, but this can vary depending on the climate, soil type, and plant age.

It is important to monitor the soil moisture level around the plant and adjust the frequency of watering accordingly. Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the fruit to shrivel and drop prematurely.

Conclusion

Understanding how much water kiwi plants need is an important part of growing healthy, productive plants. While the exact amount of water required varies based on several factors, a consistent supply of 1 to 2 inches per week is a good starting point. Remember to keep water off the leaves, use a soaker hose to water deeply and monitor soil moisture levels to ensure your kiwi plants grow strong and healthy.