Kiwis grow on the branches of kiwi bushes, which can be compared to grapevine tendrils. But they only grow in ideal conditions: fertile, moist and slightly acidic soil, a sunny climate and not too much wind. So you can’t just plant a kiwi orchard anywhere. You need expertise and experience, and the conditions have to be favourable. 

Zespri kiwi’s grow in carefully selected orchards. The growers plant the young bushes in rows five to six metres apart. The result of their work is not immediately forthcoming, since up to five years’ intensive care is needed before the kiwi plants produce enough fruit for sale.

The kiwi cultivation cycle  

WINTER 

• Just after the harvest the kiwi farmer cuts the tendrils.
• The tendrils start to grow again.

SPRING

• The first buds appear.
• The buds burst open. As is the case with many types of fruit, honeybees take care of the pollination. The flowers turn into little berries. 

SUMMER

• The fruit grows and flourishes. The grower even has to prune to make sure that all kiwifruit has enough room.

AUTUMN

• When the kiwis are well and truly ripe and of a good quality, they can be picked. Hundreds of kiwi pickers work at the same time on every plantation. 
• The kiwis that have been picked are taken to the warehouse, where they are stored for transport and export. And then they find their way to your store!