Wilko's Kiwi

[Bex]

Wilkinsons have got a Kiwi for £3 I think, is there anyway I can tell if it's self-fertile or would I have to buy two to be on the safe side?

[Nicos]

Not sure , but I'm seriously thinking about buying a plant this year.

We were looking at some in a garden centre yesterday. it looks like there are 2 main varieties- normal and dwarf. Apparently the normal grow huge- spreads out like a vine.
Even the dwarf get pretty big.
I'd like to find out about rootstock/ height/ pollination too. Although I got the impression they are self fertile - how on earth could anyone accommodate 2 'normal' sized ones in a typical sized garden.
I feel a Google coming on!!!!

[sarraceniac]

Kiwi's need a mammy and a daddy plant to fruit. There are different varieties which often, like say apples, bloom at different times and you need to know what variety you have to find a pollination partner. You also need to know what gender you are buying so as to get the other. Sorry, but true.

[Nicos]

Kiwi's need a mammy and a daddy plant to fruit. You also need to know what gender you are buying so as to get the other. Sorry, but true.

oh dear!!...I wonder if that's why so few peeps grow them- I was surprised to see they're quite happy to grow in the UK!

[Bex]

I thought you could get 'self-fertile' varieties of kiwi, isn't Jenny self fertile?

[Jillyreeves]

Jenny and Solo are both self fertile (I am sure there are others) - does it say the variety on the box?

[Two_Sheds]

is there anyway I can tell if it's self-fertile or would I have to buy two ...?

Kiwi's need a mammy and a daddy plant to fruit.

... and that's why they're only £3 - because they don't come with full information & growing instructions Like, they take 5 years to fruit, you can't just have one, and they can grow higher than your house! It makes me so cross

Anyway, this may help: Kiwi Fruit Bushes - Fruit Expert (UK)

[Bex]

Jenny and Solo are both self fertile (I am sure there are others) - does it say the variety on the box?

It doesn't Jilly

... and that's why they're only £3 - because they don't come with full information & growing instructions Like, they take 5 years to fruit, you can't just have one, and they can grow higher than your house! It makes me so cross

Anyway, this may help: Kiwi Fruit Bushes - Fruit Expert (UK)

Thanks for the info TS. I guess I'll give Kiwi a miss - shame my son loves kiwi fruit.

[Two_Sheds]

Jenny and Solo are both self fertile ...does it say the variety on the box?

Jenny & Solo retail for about £13 each, so the Wilko ones won't be those, sadly. I'm feeling a bit inclined to go and complain to Wilko (and Aldi, Lidl and QD) about the poor labelling.

After all, it's no good planting an un-named kiwi and waiting 5 years or more for the thing to fruit, for it to turn out to be male after all.

[Jillyreeves]

I totally agree with TS and wouldnt even be tempted to buy it.

[Nicos]

Agree fully with you there 2sheds!
I've also found an Isacc ( Issai) which is self fertile. Apparently it's smoothed skinned.
It looks like self fertile produce smallnless pollinated by a neighbouring male plant. The males can be pruned hard back to 3' high by 2' wide as only a few flowers are needed to pollinate a huge female.

I'd pay the £12 or so for exactly what you want- maybe a birthday pressie for your son bex?- it might make him interested in gardening!
They do need planting by the end of Mach...ooohh..that's when MY birthday is!!!!!

[sarraceniac]

Victoriana Nurseries 'do' Jenny. - £14.95 plus shipping. My answer was for the Wilko's one. TS is right, it is very annoying of them not to tell you what you are getting. Last year I saw some 5 ft. apples, pears and plums in there - but no varieties mentioned let alone root stocks. Ridiculous.

[Bex]

Agree fully with you there 2sheds!
I'd pay the £12 or so for exactly what you want- maybe a birthday pressie for your son bex?- it might make him interested in gardening!
They do need planting by the end of Mach...ooohh..that's when MY birthday is!!!!!

My son is already interested in gardening, so far he's got Strawberries, a plum tree and some raspberries, last night we bought a blackberry and a grapevine - do you notice the fruit theme. He's not really into veg although he wants a go at melons and pumpkins.

Victoriana Nurseries 'do' Jenny. - £14.95 plus shipping. My answer was for the Wilko's one. TS is right, it is very annoying of them not to tell you what you are getting. Last year I saw some 5 ft. apples, pears and plums in there - but no varieties mentioned let alone root stocks. Ridiculous.

A garden centre not far from me has got a Jenny at £7.95 so if I do go the kiwi route then I think I'll pop in there. It is mad that Wilko do not give varieties on anything that they sell.

[Two_Sheds]

Good news

I emailed Wilko and got this reply:

"I am sorry you have not been satisfied with the level of information included with this item (kiwi plant). It is a fair point that you have raised.

However, I can advise that the variety we sell is called Jenny and is self pollinating."

[sarraceniac]

Wow TS. That is remarkable news. On my way to Wilko's.