Planning kiwi in the hills and want to know suitable varieties and the climate it needs.
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Kiwi suits mid-hill areas with cold winters that provide enough chilling, mild summers, and protection from strong winds and late frost, which is why parts of Himachal, Uttarakhand, Arunachal, Sikkim and the Nilgiris are tried for it. Hayward is the most widely planted commercial variety, with others like Allison, Bruno, Abbott and Monty also grown. Kiwi is dioecious, meaning you need separate male and female plants, so plant the right ratio of male pollinator vines (commonly around one male for several females) or you will get poor fruit set. It needs deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soil and a strong trellis or pergola support, which is a real cost. Confirm the recommended variety, male-to-female ratio and chilling suitability for Nainital with your KVK or the regional horticulture department before planting.
Hayward works in our area but only because winters are cold enough. Do not forget the male vines, a friend planted only females and got almost no fruit.