How to Optimize Kiwi Size in France for Exceptional Fruit Production

Why is Kiwi Size Crucial?

Pruning kiwis is not just about aesthetics or growth control. It plays a fundamental role in:

• Increased productivity: Proper pruning focuses the plant's energy on a limited number of fruits, increasing their size and quality.
• Disease prevention: A ventilated structure promotes better air circulation and limits the development of fungi or parasites.
• Plant longevity: Pruning helps maintain a balanced structure, which is essential for sustainable production.

Key Periods for Kiwi Pruning in France

Winter Pruning: The Main Pruning

Winter pruning is carried out between December and mid-February, during the dormant period. However, it must be carried out outside of periods of frost to avoid damaging the wood. This pruning is mainly aimed at structuring the plant and preparing for the fruiting season.

Green pruning (or summer pruning)

Summer pruning is done in two stages:

• June: This procedure removes shoots that are too erect or superfluous to improve light circulation.
• August: A second pruning allows you to thin out the kiwis that are too small to concentrate resources on the remaining fruits.

Size Types for Kiwis

Training Size: An Essential Step

Carried out during the first 2-3 years after planting, this pruning establishes the main framework of the plant.

Objective: To form a solid and airy structure.
Method: For young plants less than 3 years old, prune lightly. Without this step, the kiwi risks growing uncontrollably, making it difficult to bear fruit.

Fruiting Size: For Quality Fruits

This pruning focuses on removing unnecessary branches and thinning out fruit:

• Fruit Improvement: Allows for larger, well-shaped kiwis.
• Facilitates ripening: By removing excess foliage, the fruits benefit from better exposure to the sun.

Specific Pruning Techniques

Maintain an Airy Structure

An airy structure ensures good air circulation and optimal light penetration, thus reducing the risk of disease.

Pruning Fruit Branches

Kiwis produce their fruit on the previous year's shoots. To maximize production:

• Cut off the branches that have borne fruit with 2 eyes.
• Shorten the year's branches to encourage the appearance of new flower buds.

Fruit Thinning

Thinning involves limiting the number of fruits per branch to concentrate the plant's resources on a smaller number of kiwis. The result? Larger, better-quality fruits.

Essential Tools for Pruning Kiwis

Pruning Shears: The Basic Tool

Used for cutting small to medium diameter branches.
Choose pruning shears with sharp blades for clean, precise cuts.

Pruning Saw: For Thick Branches

Essential for pruning main branches or aging parts.
A well-sharpened saw ensures clean cuts and reduces the risk of injury to the plant.

Scissors: For Fine Trimming

Useful for trimming branches or delicately cutting fruit stalks.
Tip: Regularly disinfect your tools with 90% alcohol to prevent the spread of disease.

Regional Specificities in France

In France, regions vary in their climate, which influences pruning periods:

• Southwest: Winter pruning is best done in January, when the risk of frost is minimal.
• Colder Regions: Avoid pruning before the end of February to prevent frost damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Pruning during freezing weather: This irreparably damages the wood.
• Pruning young plants too severely: This can slow down growth and fruit set.
• Neglecting tool maintenance: This increases the risk of disease in the orchard.

FAQ

How do you know if a branch needs to be pruned?

Fruiting branches should be shortened after harvesting. Those that have not produced fruit or are too old can be removed.

Is summer pruning mandatory?

No, but it is highly recommended to improve fruit size and control plant vigor.

Should kiwis be pruned every year?

Yes, regular pruning is essential to maintain consistent, quality production.

Which tools should an amateur choose?

A good pair of pruning shears and a pruning saw are sufficient for most pruning needs.

Can you prune a kiwi at any time of year?

No, respect the indicated periods to avoid stressing the plant or reducing future production.

What are the benefits of fruit thinning?

Thinning reduces production surges, improves fruit size and facilitates ripening.

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