What is the best altitude for growing kiwifruit (environmental and geographical conditions of the growing area)?

Where is kiwifruit suitable for growing?

Kiwi is one of the most popular fruits on the market. Kiwi cultivation is highly profitable, but kiwis are not available in all places.

Because kiwifruit has certain requirements for its growth altitude and climate, the geographical conditions and growth environment of some planting areas are not suitable for the growth of kiwifruit. Let's take a closer look at the specific growth environment requirements of kiwifruit.

① Latitude

According to the physiological and ecological habits of kiwifruit and the combined effects of various environmental factors, kiwifruit is concentrated in the area between 30° and 35° north and south latitude and grows well . The world's major kiwifruit producing countries, such as New Zealand, Chile, and Italy, are all distributed in this area.

②Altitude

Kiwifruit is suitable for growing at altitudes between 200 and 800m, with an altitude of about 500m being the most suitable. It is not suitable for growing below 150m or above 1200m .

③ Temperature

Kiwifruit is suitable for areas with a mild climate, no extreme heat in summer, no extreme cold in winter, and an average annual temperature above 10℃. Both Chinese kiwifruit and delicious kiwifruit can grow. Areas with an average annual climate of 15-18.5℃ are most suitable .

If the extreme maximum temperature does not exceed 42 degrees, the extreme minimum temperature is not lower than minus 16 degrees, and there is no sharp cold wave in early winter that causes the temperature to suddenly drop below minus 15 degrees.

④ Water content

Kiwifruit likes moisture, is not drought-tolerant, and is not tolerant to waterlogging. It grows well in areas with damp, foggy rain, an annual precipitation of more than 800 mm, and a relative humidity of more than 70% . In the arid north, irrigation conditions are available, and in the humid south, there are drainage and irrigation measures.

⑤Frost period

Kiwifruit grows and bears fruit normally in frost-free or less frost areas, requiring a frost-free period of at least 180 days .

⑥Light

Kiwifruit is shade-tolerant, light-loving, and afraid of exposure . It prefers shade during the seedling stage and is afraid of direct sunlight. Adult trees prefer shade and humidity, but also need sunlight.

⑦ Wind power

Kiwi fruit is afraid of wind. Strong winds often cause young branches to break, leaves to shatter, and fruits to be scarred by friction and collision.

Cold and dry winds in winter and spring can easily cause buds to wither and die, and branches to dry up. Hot and dry winds in spring and summer often cause leaf edges to burn and wither. If there are shelterbelts in windy areas, kiwifruit can also be successfully cultivated.

⑧Slope direction

  The slope of the mountain has a certain impact on the growth of kiwifruit. The south slope has strong and long sunshine, high temperature in summer, large evaporation, and is prone to drought and sunburn.

Generally, the temperature on the north slope is lower and it is prone to frost. On the west slope, the strong sun in the afternoon can easily cause branches, leaves and fruits to burn. It is best to plant it on a gentle slope at 15 degrees to the southeast or east.

⑨Ecology

Organic kiwifruit has high requirements for the ecological environment, with no water, air, or surface source pollution, and no obvious soil and water loss.

⑩Soil

Kiwifruit is suitable for sandy loam and neutral or slightly acidic soil with a pH value between 6.5 and 7.5 . Generally, the soil layer is deep, loose and fertile, rich in organic matter, and well-drained mountain forest soil. Red, yellow, brown, black sandy loam or loam are all suitable.