soil type

[jock_edin]

Hi All I have just gone and ordered a Kiwi bush and was looking for some information  but finding stuff seems to be difficult, should have found stuff before i ordered, anyway done it now so does anyone know best soil to put in the pot I intend growing it in. I have b and q compost tomato grow bags and ericatious soil so what would be the best to grow a Kiwi  in. any tips greatly appreciated. Willie.

[jock_edin]

[goodlife]

You can grow kiwi in pot..but to get it to fruit is another matter..kiwi is a big plant before it will fruit..so either you need to have large container of you can put it straight into ground..
In ground you just need to fork in some multipurpose (which you have) and grit..and hand full of  blood, fish and bone meal(BFB) would be good too..they do not need anything special..plenty of grit..as they do not like sitting in wet spot during winter..so some drainage would be good..
In pot you will need more subtancial mixture than any of those composts that you have mentioned..You can either buy some John Innes No2 compost or make your own mixture..by mixing 1/2 bagged topsoil and 1/2 multipurpose compost and some grit and BFB..the mixture is suppose to mimic the ideal soil in ground.. ;)..your plant is going to be in same mixture for years so it will need best possible ground to get it's feet in..but it will still need feeding too.. ;)

[Digeroo]

Do you need a male and a female plant?

[goodlife]

It depends of the variety...there is now few self-fertile varieties..quite commonly sold..but if it is known female then you will need male too..
but one male can keep several females 'happy'.... ;D ;)

[grannyjanny]

Jenny is a SF one.

[Unwashed]

You mean a kiwi vine, right?  I would have thought John Innes No. 3.  I don't think they like having their roots wet over winter - I think that's what killed mine.

[jock_edin]

I Have discovered its called Astindia  deliciosa 'Jenny'
A self fertile Variety
does this make a difference to the soil type in a pot.

[goodlife]

no...Innes 3..yes..or own mix..as long it is soil based with grit for drainage.. ;)..and with Jenny you don't need 'partner' for it..it is quite happy alone.. put it will need good sheltered position to bear fruit..it doesn't mine baking sun..
I does grow in shade too but most likely only some foliage..and really exposed to strong winds is not apparently good for it neither.. ::)
I've got female and male sorts..just because I like idea of larger fruits..but the total yield should be same for the self-fertiles..the male is growing on north side of the pergola and the female on south..and the male gets hit by frost every year.. ::) while the female...only few metres away is happy as 'larry'....so you really have to pick the position right..

[jock_edin]

thanks for the reply's have couple of weeks to sort out soil and position ,thanks to all who replied. willie