It’s not enough to wait for the frost: if you want your kiwi to bloom vigorously in spring, there are essential actions to do now, before the real cold arrives.
Who grows a plant of kiwi he knows: it’s not just any species. Demanding, generous but also delicate, this climber needs specific care in every season. And autumn is a key time. It is not enough to limit yourself to pruning, on the contrary: it is now that the foundations are laid for a new robust flowering.
Many think that it is enough to “let it go to rest”, but the kiwi does not prepare itself for winter. A bit like an athlete after a marathon, he needs recovery, protection and preparation. And every intervention at this stage can make the difference between a productive season and a disappointing one.
When and why to intervene on the kiwi plant in autumn
As soon as the leaves start to yellow and fall, it is the right time to take action. This natural signal indicates that the plant is entering vegetative rest: energies are concentrated on the roots and wood, and the foliage can be treated without causing damage. Timely intervention allows you to protect the roots from frost, reduce the risks of fungal diseasesfacilitation at structural pruning and prepare the soil to support the plant in the spring recovery. These are concrete advantages that should never be overlooked.
After all, who has never underestimated a passage, only to find themselves in spring with dry branches or poor production? Like a book left too close to an open window, the kiwi absorbs every change in humidity, cold and wind. Protecting it now means avoiding irreversible damage.
The essential steps before the cold
Autumn stocks are not all the same. Some are mandatory, others useful in particular conditions. But in general, there are some stages that should not be overlooked.
After waiting for the leaves to almost completely fall, we start with the cleaning the base: Removing dry leaves, fallen fruit and damaged branches reduces the risk of fungi and insects.
Then we move on to light pruningfocusing on:
- branches that are too long or poorly directed;
- dry or diseased branches;
- areas where the foliage is too thick.
Be careful though: this is not the main pruning (that is done at the end of winter), but lightening to improve ventilation.
Followed by root protectionwhich is obtained by mulching with organic material (leaves, straw, bark) in a layer of 10–15 cm. This thermal cover mitigates temperature changes and limits evaporation.
Finally, preventive treatment with rame is zolfo (in light doses), which helps disinfect and strengthen the wood.
How to guarantee an explosive spring for the kiwi plant
Preparing kiwis for winter is not just a matter of survival, but an investment in future productivity. A well cared for plant will now offer young, strong branches, ready to flower profusely.
There are some measures that can make the difference:
- avoid too abundant irrigation at the end of the season;
- check that the braces or supports are secure (wind and frost can cause damage);
- integrate, if necessary, potassium and magnesium with specific slow-release fertilizers.
After all, every well-tied knot today is an extra sprout tomorrow. And as in a symphony, each element must come into harmony with time.
The kiwi plant, if well accompanied in its rest, will be able to surprise with a rich and early flowering. But it all starts from now: with simple but targeted gestures, we open the way to a new season of taste and beauty.
Photo © stock.adobe
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