Kiwi Farming

Kiwis, for many years, have become some of the best ingredients in gourmet dishes. This basically explains the huge demand of the hardy fruit all over the world. However, not all countries are blessed with them because of certian requirements.
Fortunately, Iran is one of those countries that can cultivate or grow kiwis with relative ease. In the country, over 12,000 hectares are dedicated to kiwi farming. There are also some families who have learned to grow them right at their own backyards, creating gorgeous vineyards that don’t just grow fruit but also offer ample shade for afternoon gatherings.
Kiwi Farming Requirements
One of the first things you should know is the type of kiwi you have. Fuzzy kiwis can thrive in full sun, while the hardy ones are much better under a little shade. When it comes to soil, it should be moist, deep, fertile, and well drained. Soil can also be sandy loam, similar to that found in Bay of Plenty. For maximum yield, though, soil may need to be added with nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
Kiwi farming plans should also include adequate protection from the wind. Though the fruit is hardy, the flowers and leaves are very fragile. They can be easily removed from the vines because of extremley strong winds. One of the best solutions is to create wind breaks. Farmers must also ensure proper irrigation, especially in areas where the land or orchard turns arid come spring and summertime.
The Best Time for Kiwi Farming
Unlike other fruits, kiwis can grow in a variety of temperatures. However, countries have thier own best times for kiwi farming. For example, in California, farmers normally grow kiwis around the middle of March, and fruits are harvested before the onset of winter, which is around November. It’s the same thing in Iran, though they start production a little later on May.
The good thing about kiwis is they can be stored for a very long time, so it’s possible for farmers to sell them between November and April.
The Orchard
It’s possible to deedicate only a small plot of land for kiwi farming. However, it’s mandatory there will be no other cultivation besides kiwis. Further, proper spacing and layout should be observed. Vines are usually supported either by T-bars or pergolas and are planed in rows. Eavh vine is around 5 meters apart from each other. Flowers are reproduced typically through insect pollination. Hence, there must be at around 8 to 9 female vines for 1 male vine. The latter makes up between 10 and 12 percent of the entire vine population in the orchard.
Issues
You cannot do kiwi farming wihtout any issues or problems. One of the things you should watch out for is spring or autumn frost. Because of the presence of a lot of vineyards, more pests have also found their way to kiwi orchards. These include mites and scale insects. Farmers should also watch out for the roots, which are prone to infection and rot.