How to prune hardy kiwi

Late winter while fully dormant (January–February); avoid pruning in autumn or sap-rise in spring. Train one or two permanent main rods along wires. Each winter, cut back all laterals that fruited to 2–3 buds from the main rod. Remove entirely any shoots that have fruited for 3+ years. Tie in new extension growth during summer and pinch excess shoots to 5–6 leaves.

Annually (essential). Hardy Kiwi is a vigorous deciduous climber that must be pruned hard each year or it rapidly becomes an unmanageable thicket. It fruits on short spurs from one-year-old laterals growing off a permanent framework. Establish a strong main rod and trained laterals, then prune yearly to renew fruiting spurs.

Train one or two permanent main rods along wires. Each winter, cut back all laterals that fruited to 2–3 buds from the main rod. Remove entirely any shoots that have fruited for 3+ years. Tie in new extension growth during summer and pinch excess shoots to 5–6 leaves.