Growing kiwi berries espalier - Ask Extension
I am growing kiwi berries upright because I dont have a space to put an overhead trellis. I have the plants in and posts in but I'm not sure the best ...
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Growing kiwi berries espalier #682516
Asked March 03, 2021, 2:08 PM EST
I am growing kiwi berries upright because I dont have a space to put an overhead trellis. I have the plants in and posts in but I'm not sure the best structure for them to climb on. Posts are 8' tall with 12-14' width allowed for the females and about 8' for the male.
I considered cattle guard, which I have used for clematis but I was concerned it might wrap around the grid and I might not catch it in time to pull it back out. I have also considered wire running between the posts and directing growth upward but I don't know if I also need something for upward support or if I can direct them upward between lines.
How do you suggest supporting the vines?
Thanks for your help!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
It's true that kiwi is a vigorous and rapid grower, but not so rapid that it gets ahead of a gardener who checks the plant every 2 to 3 weeks to re-direct the stems if needed.
Growing Kiwifruit is a free publication with full directions how to grow and trellis these vigorous vines. Notice that the download page also contains a link to a video about kiwi.
Growing Kiwifruit is a free publication with full directions how to grow and trellis these vigorous vines. Notice that the download page also contains a link to a video about kiwi.
Thank you for answering, but perhaps I did not frame my question clearly as you did not answer it.
I am growing kiwi berries on a vertical trellis as I don't have space to frow them overhead. I am looking for information on constructing the trellis properly. I have the posts set but I'm unsure about cross wires or grid metal.
Sandra James
Use the same wire as suggested in Growing Kiwifruit -- but, instead of constructing a T-trellis, string the wires horizontally between the uprights.
