A popular gardening expert has revealed a simple method for growing kiwi plants in your own yard using just a single store-bought kiwi. In a TikTok video posted by the account simonakeroydgardener, which boasts over 800,000 followers and is run by gardening expert and author Simon Akeroyd, viewers are given step-by-step instructions on how to plant and cultivate their own fruit-bearing kiwi plants.
Simon Akeroyd, whose latest book “Grow Your Groceries: 40 Hacks for Growing Plants from Your Weekly Shop” is a Sunday Times and Irish Times bestseller, explains in the video caption that kiwis are climbing plants and will require a structure to grow on. He also highlights the importance of having both male and female plants for successful fruit production. “Both male and female plants need to be grown if you want to produce fruit,” Akeroyd advises, suggesting that growing a few seedlings can increase the chances of a successful crop.
Despite the time it takes for kiwi plants to bear fruit, Akeroyd assures that they are “easy to grow” and can be started with kiwis purchased from the supermarket. However, those hoping for an immediate harvest may need to be patient, as it can take several years for the flowers to produce fruit.
Here are the steps Akeroyd outlines in his TikTok video:
Step 1: Cut a kiwi in half to reveal its seeds, which are black, rounded, and edible.
Step 2: Remove some of the seeds using the tip of a knife and place them on a dry paper towel.
Step 3: Allow the seeds to dry for a few days to increase the rate of germination.
Step 4: Sprinkle the dried seeds over compost in a small pot.
Step 5: Place a freezer bag over the planted seeds to create a mini-greenhouse, trapping humidity and speeding up the germination process.
Step 6: Position the pot on a windowsill to ensure the seeds receive plenty of sunlight. According to Akeroyd, baby kiwi plants should start to grow within a few weeks.
Step 7: Once the seedlings produce true leaves, carefully transplant them into larger pots to allow for further growth. Akeroyd notes that while it may take a few years for the plants to produce fruit, they make beautiful ornamental climbing plants with large, attractive foliage in the meantime.
For those interested in gardening and looking for unique ways to grow their own produce, Akeroyd’s method offers a practical and engaging approach to cultivating kiwi plants at home.
