Kiwiberry Progress Tracking

 Kiwiberry Post-Planting Maintenance

After planting, the kiwiberries were maintained with regular between row mowing and watering.  The growth progress of the plants was documented with images.  

Figure 1. Planting was accomplished between 7/3/24 and 7/9/24.

Figure 2. Evidence that orchard neighbors were curious about the new kiwiberry planting.

Figure 3. Liquid Fence deer/rabbit scent repellent was applied to the plants to prevent nibbling in the initial days of installation.

Kiwiberry Growth Progress

We will compare the growth progress of the following plants as representative of the majority of that plant type within the vineyard.  All were planted on 7/3, unless noted otherwise. The KX-# is the ID number of the plant and represents its location within the planting, as was shared in the previous post on Installation.

• Ken's Red KA-8 - planted 7/9
• male Clark KB-2
• Geneva 3 KB-5
• Changbai Mountain KB-7
• male Fairchild KC-4
• Hardy Red KC-6
• Anna KC-8 - planted 7/5
• male Optiz KD-2, planted 7/9
• male Meader KD-7 - planted 7/9

Each variety showed different initial characteristics that can be seen, generally, in Figure 4 below.  Note the size and replant stress difference between row KC (left) and row KB (right).  Row KB plants were much smaller at the time of planting and so likely underwent less replant/drought stress.

Figure 4. Rows KB and KC were almost fully planted out on 7/3/24.  Row KB (on the right) is mostly comprised of Geneva 3.  Row KC (on the left) is mostly comprised of Hardy Red.  Note the difference in plant size and replant stress.

Initial plant images were taken on 7/19 (before and after the first pruning to reduce replant stress), 7/23 and 8/2.  These are shown in Figures 5-13 below.  Images are shown from left to right in the following order: 7/19 before pruning, 7/19 after pruning, 7/23, 8/2.

Figure 5. KA-8, Ken's Red.

Figure 6. KB-2, male Clark.

Figure 7. KB-5, Geneva 3.

Figure 8. KB-7, Changbai Mountain

Figure 9. KC-4, male Fairchild.

Figure 10. KC-6, Hardy Red.

The Hardy Red variety (Figure 10) struggled to establish quickly, possibly due to the extensive root reorientation that needed to be accomplished during planting.  Almost all of the hardy red plants needed to have the roots extensively detangled and reoriented to head away from the middle of the plant (or circling the plant) during initial planting.  

Figure 11. KC-8, Anna.

Figure 12. KD-2, male Optiz.

The male Optiz plant died all the way to the ground during the first few weeks.  It did grow back from the ground, but in 2025, it remains to be seen how strong this plant will be going forward.

Figure 13. KD-7, male Meader.

The most vigorous plant in the first 30 days was the Geneva 3 (Figure 7), but the Changbai Mountain and male Clark varieties also showed steady strong growth.  Almost all of the plants had curled leaves for the first 10 days, indicating some level of replant/drought stress.  The curled leaves lasted longest in Ken's Red, Clark, Fairchild, and Anna, but all varieties looked much recovered by August 2.