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There are several factors to consider before buying: 

• Kiwis are vigorous climbing vines that need plenty of space, large sturdy supports and a warm sunny sheltered site. Unpruned plants can eventually grow to 8m (26ft) or more, depending on the variety 
• They require regular maintenance to fruit well – they should be pruned in both summer and winter to keep them in check and encourage successful fruiting 
• Plants may take three or four years to start fruiting
• Varieties are either female, male or self-fertile. Most of the widely available varieties are self-fertile, but do check. If you buy a female variety, you will also need a male or a self-fertile variety nearby in order for it to crop. Male plants produce flowers but no fruit. If you only have room for one plant, make sure it’s a self-fertile variety 
• Actinidia arguta produces smaller fruits, only about 2.5cm (1in) long, with a smooth skin. Consider growing self-fertile â€Òµ²õ²õ²¹¾±â€™. The female variety ‘Ken’s Red’ will produce pale red fruits if a male such as ‘W±ð¾±°ì¾±â€™ is growing nearby
• Actinidia deliciosa produces larger fruits, 3–5cm (1¼–2in) long, that are furry skinned, similar to those sold in supermarkets. If you only have space for one plant, choose self-fertile ‘J±ð²Ô²Ô²â’, which produces smaller, well-flavoured fruits. Popular female varieties include ‘H²¹²â·É²¹°ù»å’ and Solissimo (‘Renact’), but for successful fruiting with these you also need a male such as ‘Tormuri’ or self-fertile ‘J±ð²Ô²Ô²â’ nearby
• Actinidia arguta is hardier than A. deliciosa, but the young shoots of all are extremely vulnerable to late frost damage and may require protection

Kiwis are best planted in spring, once the soil and weather are warming up. They require a warm, sheltered, sunny position, preferably against a south- or west-facing wall, although they can be grown in the open in milder areas. The young shoots are extremely vulnerable to frost damage in spring, so avoid planting in a frost-prone site. These vigorous climbers also need a large, sturdy support, such as a pergola or archway, or strong wires attached to a wall or well-built fence. They prefer fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter, so dig in plenty of garden compost or well-rotted manure before planting. If planting more than one, space them 3–4.5m (10–15ft) apart. Plants should be pruned straight after planting – see the Pruning and Training section below.

For full planting details, see the following guides.

Kiwis usually start fruiting three or four years after planting. In favourable, warm conditions, especially in southern England, they can produce a prolific crop, especially if plants are well pruned. They need a very warm, long summer and autumn for the fruits to ripen outdoors. Quite often they won’t ripen fully, but can be picked in autumn and ripened indoors. Harvest any remaining unripe fruit before the first hard frost and place in a bowl with other fruit to ripen. This can take several weeks. When ripe, they should give slightly when gently squeezed.
 

Kiwi fruits are generally robust, vigorous, healthy plants when grown in a suitably warm, sheltered location. However, growth can be affected by the following: 

• Frost can damage new growth in spring 

• Drought and/or drying winds can lead to drooping leaves, brown leaf edges and even complete loss of leaves – so choose a sheltered planting site and keep well watered in dry periods

• Nutrient deficiencies may occur particularly in chalky soil 

• Fungal diseases – like many other woody climbers, kiwis may succumb to honey fungus or phytophthora root rot 

The fruits may also fail to fully ripen by the end of summer, but can be picked and ripened indoors – see the Harvesting section, above.