Optimally, fruit are thinned to 40-45 per yd2 of canopy, if pruning has not reduced crop load sufficiently. Light, well-drained, deep soils with fairly high organic matter are best. Heavy clays and calcareous soils should be avoided, pH should be mildly acid, 6.0. The native habitat of kiwifruit is the warm, humid, temperate regions of southeast China. Vines are sheltered from wind by the forest canopies into which they grow.
Wind is a major problem in kiwi culture.
Natural or artificial windbreaks must be used. Leaves are cut in half to reduce transpiration. Rooting takes place in 2-4 weeks. Vines are trained to either pergolas, where the entire ground surface is covered by continuous overhead canopy, or T-bar trellises, where room for equipment operation between rows is provided. Whether T-bar or Pergola, vines are basically bilateral cordons, with only trunks and arms being permanent wood.