Fruit in the southernmost growing area, the San Joaquin Valley, ripens 7 to 10 days earlier than that in the north, but otherwise conditions in both growing regions are very similar. Both valleys provide a temperature climate of mild winters and a long, warm growing season. Vines and fruit are susceptible to frost in late spring and early fall and growers have selected sites and take precautions to protect the plants from damage. The Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys have an abundance of land with deep, well-drained soil, which is required in order to achieve top production. Kiwifruit must also have a plentiful supply of good quality water.
Rain provides adequate moisture during fall, winter and early spring.
Starting in late spring and during the hot summer months sufficient water is delivered to the vines through irrigation systems. Stretching nearly 400 miles from Bakersfield in the South to Stockton in the North, the San Joaquin Valley is the country s most productive agricultural region. Over 200 crops are grown in this fertile valley. Here you ll find kiwi vines growing next to grape vineyards, peach, plum and nectarine fields and orange groves, as well as among many other crops Roughly half of California s kiwifruit is grown in the San Joaquin valley on an annual basis. This is the original home of California s kiwifruit industry, where the first vines were grown and the first commercial production took place.