Gardening expert says you can grow kiwis in the UK – and it's really easy

Alan Johnson
·2-min read
Did you know you can grow kiwis in the UK?
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Gardening expert Simon Akeroyd claims that kiwis can indeed flourish in British soil, and has offered a step-by-step tutorial for green-fingered enthusiasts. Using a humble supermarket-bought kiwi, he initiates the process by halving the fruit to procure its seeds.

He then took out the seeds and put them on kitchen roll try dry for a "a few days". In a video posted on TikTok, Simon proceeds to sow them in compost and covers the pot with a freezer bag. "Leave on a window sill and in a few weeks you'll have baby kiwi plants," he instructs, emphasising the need to 'prick out' the saplings upon the emergence of true leaves and to repot them into larger containers as required.

The final stage - replanting again, outdoors - comes when the plant grows full-sized leaves. "Really? You can grow these in UK?," questioned one of Simon's followers in amazement. He advised: "Yes kiwi are fairly hardy and usually grow okay in most areas of the UK."

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"I'm blown away by that, no way," penned another. "I have to do this." A third added: "Wow never thought of growing kiwis, thanks a million."

Someone else asked: "What time of year?" Simon duly advised: "You can sow now if you have somewhere warm for them to germinate," Simon explained. "Or spring is good too."

Others had already experienced success, one of whom - from Somerset - commented: "I have a huge plant that grows hundreds of kiwis every year!" While a second spoke from experience: "I grew some last year and got five plants. They overwinter under an upturned plastic storage box outside. Two are planted in large pots on my south facing wall and are a good size now."

The Royal Horticultural Society also adds a key bit of advice on its website, stating: "Varieties [of kiwi fruit] 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."