Can Kiwi Grow in India | Kiwi Cultivation in India

|
Last Updated: 09.11.2023

Can Kiwi Grow in India? What are the possibilities of kiwi cultivation in India? Find out in this India Gardening article.

The sweet and a little tart kiwi fruits are truly exotic in taste. Tiny black seeds that are speckled around the center of its smooth aromatic flesh give it a crunchy taste. Overall, the fruit is flavorful and juicy, with a hint of pineapple, mango, and strawberry.


What is Kiwifruit?

 

Kiwifruit is an edible berry. Besides serving as an ingredient or topping in a variety of desserts, you can eat it the best way–raw, or cook it. This fruit is rich in nutrients and has a low-calorie count, which makes it a favorite of health enthusiasts.

Origins

Originally a vine, this plant is native to the valley of the Yangtze River in China. Mainly prevalent in the eastern and north-central parts of China, it is also called Chinese gooseberry. However, the first commercial cultivation of the kiwi fruit happened in New Zealand. Where its name was changed to Kiwi due to it’s shared appearance with a kiwi bird.

Cultivation

Kiwifruit is cultivated in various parts of the world, Newzealand, Italy, Chile, Iran, and China are the largest producers. Kiwi fruits require a mild temperate climate with warm summers and well-drained fertile soil to grow.


Can Kiwi Grow in India?

shutterstock/kt-wat

Now to answer the substantial question of this article. Yes! These plants can grow in India, although the varieties are slightly different. Various states in India produce different varieties of this profitable fruit like Bruno, Heyward, Tomuri, Allison, Abbott.

Majorly the climatic conditions of the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and colder regions of Kerala, Karnataka, and West Bengal (Darjeeling) are suitable for the cultivation of Kiwifruit in India. These states have a temperate climate, fertile soil, and favorable rainfall conditions.

The need to grow Kiwis in India is befitting. Because importing them from other countries is an extravagant affair. As growing kiwi in India is new and there’s not much data about exactly which city is favorable for its growth, experiment and try planting it in your garden if you’re not from any of the areas mentioned above.


Growing Requirements for Kiwi

One can grow Kiwi from cuttings or with the help of grafting. Here are the growing requirements for planting this delicious fruit.

Soil: A well-draining sandy-loam soil with mild acidity is an excellent growing medium for Kiwi. 

Irrigation: Irrigate the plants at an interval of 10-15 days during the initial growing season. It will encourage healthy growth.

Fertilizer: Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to promote better resprouting and supply additional nutrients to the Kiwi fruits.

Pests and Diseases: Root rot and bacterial blight are some common pests and diseases that can harm your Kiwi cultivation. So use appropriate medicine on early signs of infections and take care properly.


Uses and Benefits of Kiwi

shutterstock/HandmadePictures
  • Kiwi is a sweet and sour fruit, is a rich source of Vitamin C. Therefore, it helps in reducing inflammation and keeps your gut healthy.
  • Kiwi in salads and smoothies is a favorite of weight watchers.
  • The fruit contains vitamin B6, which is suitable for pregnant women. Besides, they also help in improving the immune system.
  • Vitamin C, which is present in Kiwi, also helps with skin rejuvenation, de-tanning, and soothing sun damage. Hence it is useful as an ingredient in various homemade beauty products and cosmetics.

 

Leave a Comment

Send this to a friend