Growing a kiwi tree from a kiwi seed can be a fun and rewarding project. However, it’s important to note that the kiwis sold in stores may not always produce viable seeds, and even if they do, they may not produce the same variety of kiwi as the parent plant. However, if you have a kiwi fruit with viable seeds, here’s how to grow a young kiwi tree in a pot.

Extract seeds : Cut open a ripe kiwi and scoop out the seeds. Rinse the seeds under cold water and let them dry on a paper towel for a few days.
Germinate the seeds : Kiwi seeds need to be stratified (exposed to cold temperatures) in order to germinate. You can stratify the seeds by placing them in a damp paper towel or peat moss and placing them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. Check the seeds regularly and make sure the paper towel or moss stays moist.

Planting the Seeds : Once the seeds are stratified, plant them in a small pot filled with a mixture of potting soil and perlite. Bury the seed about 1/4 inch deep in the soil and water gently. Cover the pot with plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse and place it in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Transplanting the Seedlings : After a few weeks, the seedlings should begin to sprout. Once they have several sets of leaves, they can be transplanted to a larger pot. Use a pot that is at least 18 to 24 inches in diameter and 24 inches deep, filled with a mixture of potting soil, compost and perlite.
Kiwi Tree Care: Kiwi trees need plenty of sunlight to grow and produce fruit. Place the pot in a sunny location or use grow lights if necessary. Keep the soil moist at all times but not soggy. Fertilize the tree every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Provide support : Kiwi trees are vines and need support to grow vertically. Place a trellis or stake in the pot and gently tie the kiwi vine to it as it grows.

Pruning : Prune the kiwi tree in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches. Also remove any side branches growing at the base of the plant.
Harvesting : Kiwi trees usually bear fruit in their second or third year of growth. Harvest the fruit when it is fully ripe and slightly soft to the touch.

How do you know if kiwis have viable seeds?

If you want to determine if a kiwi has viable seeds, there are a few things you need to look for:

Choose a ripe kiwi: Kiwis with viable seeds are usually fully ripe and have a slightly soft texture when gently squeezed.

Check the seeds : Cut the kiwis open and carefully remove the seeds. Look for seeds that are plump and full, rather than shriveled or underdeveloped.

Germination test: To determine if the seeds are viable, you can perform a germination test. Simply moisten a paper towel or a piece of peat moss, place the seeds on it, and wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a plastic bag. Store the seeds in a warm, bright place and check them regularly for signs of germination. If the seeds germinate within a few weeks, they are probably viable and ready to plant.

It is important to note that even if a kiwifruit has viable seeds, the resulting plant may not produce the same type of kiwifruit as the parent plant. Kiwi trees are typically propagated by grafting, which ensures that the resulting tree produces the same type of fruit as the parent plant. Nevertheless, growing a kiwi tree from seed can still be a fun and rewarding project.