How to Grow Hayward Kiwifruit

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Hayward Kiwifruit

Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward'

vine

Hayward is the most commercially popular kiwifruit cultivar, prized for its large, sweet-tart brown-skinned fruits with vibrant green flesh. This vigorous deciduous vine produces abundant yields and stores exceptionally well, making it ideal for both home and commercial gardens. The plant requires a sturdy support structure and a pollinator vine for fruit production.

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Example Hayward Kiwifruit timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Hayward Kiwifruit
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Hayward Kiwifruit
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hayward Kiwifruit dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; afternoon shade in hot climates helps prevent sunscald

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Water: Consistent moisture during growing season (1-2 inches per week); reduce watering in winter dormancy; avoid waterlogging

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 1095-1460 (3-4 years from planting to first significant harvest)

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery pot; establish on strong support structure

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy loam soil

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Compost Organic matter Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 8-10; can survive zone 7 with winter protection

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

Establishment (Year 1)

12 months

Young vine develops main framework with vigorous shoot growth; minimal flowers; plant focuses on root and stem development

Provide sturdy trellis or arbor support; prune to establish 1-2 main leaders; water regularly; apply mulch; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer

Development (Year 2-3)

24 months

Vine establishes lateral branches along main framework; sporadic flowering may occur but fruit typically removed to redirect energy to vine structure

Continue training and pruning to create open canopy structure; thin lateral shoots; maintain consistent water and fertilizer; hand-pollinate any flowers

Flowering (Year 3-4, Spring)

3-4 weeks

Clusters of small, creamy-white fragrant flowers appear on previous season's growth; flowers are dioecious (male and female on separate plants)

Ensure male pollinator vine (or use hand pollination with collected pollen) is flowering simultaneously; thin excessive flower clusters if needed; maintain steady water supply

Fruiting & Growth (Summer)

12-16 weeks

Small green fruits develop from pollinated flowers; fruits enlarge rapidly through summer, eventually reaching full size; vine continues vigorous growth

Thin fruits to one every 4-6 inches for larger development; support heavy fruit-laden canes with additional trellising; maintain consistent watering and light feeding; manage pests

Maturation & Harvest (Fall)

6-8 weeks

Fruits reach full size and firm up; skin color develops brown russetting; harvest occurs when fruits reach proper size but are still firm; vine enters dormancy

Check harvest readiness (fruit should have slight give when pressed); pick carefully to avoid bruising; allow 5-7 day post-harvest ethylene treatment to develop sweetness; reduce watering as temperatures cool

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Fragrant jasmine Clematis Passionfruit vine Spring bulbs

Avoid planting near:

Walnut trees (juglone toxicity) Eucalyptus trees

Common Pests

Ensure excellent air circulation and drainage; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide during rainy periods; remove infected fruit immediately
Provide well-draining soil; avoid waterlogging; plant on raised mounds if drainage is poor; sterilize tools; remove affected plants if severely infected
Prune out affected canes; sterilize tools between cuts; avoid mechanical injury; improve air circulation; remove severely diseased plants
Increase humidity through misting; spray with strong water stream; apply miticide if severe; encourage natural predators
Prune heavily infested canes; spray with horticultural oil in late winter; monitor regularly; encourage beneficial insects
Hand-pick beetles in early morning; remove affected leaves; apply neem oil or spinosad; use pheromone traps nearby (but away from vines)

Uses

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Fresh eating and desserts

Culinary

Hayward kiwis are delicious eaten fresh by scooping the flesh directly from the skin with a spoon, or peeled and sliced. They add tart-sweet flavor to fruit salads, smoothie bowls, and desserts. [source]

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Meat tenderizing

Culinary

The enzyme actinidin in kiwifruit naturally breaks down proteins, making Hayward kiwi an excellent natural meat tenderizer. Simply puree the fruit and marinate meat for 15-30 minutes before cooking. [source]

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Digestive health

Medicinal

Kiwifruit contains high levels of dietary fiber and prebiotic compounds that support digestive function and may help with constipation. The actinidin enzyme aids protein digestion. [source]

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Antioxidant and immune support

Medicinal

Hayward kiwis are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support immune function and overall wellness. [source]

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Natural laundry stain remover

Household

The actinidin enzyme in kiwifruit has mild bleaching properties and can help break down protein-based stains on fabric when applied fresh before washing. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest in fall (September-November in Northern Hemisphere) when fruits reach full size but remain firm; cut fruit with short stem attached rather than pulling; kiwis do not fully ripen on the vine. Store at 32°F for 3-6 months, then bring to room temperature 5-7 days before eating to develop full sweetness. A single mature Hayward vine can produce 50-100 pounds of fruit annually.

Fun Facts

🌱 Hayward kiwis were named after a New Zealand exporter named Hayward Wright who popularized the fruit in the 1950s. The cultivar was developed in New Zealand, which remains the world's largest kiwifruit producer.
🌱 Kiwifruit requires a male and female vine for pollination—Hayward is female. A single male 'Tomuri' or 'Matua' vine can pollinate up to eight female vines, and they must flower simultaneously.
🌱 Hayward kiwis cannot ripen on the vine; they must be harvested firm and then exposed to ethylene gas or stored with apples/bananas to develop full sweetness and softness. This post-harvest ripening is why commercial kiwis taste better than vine-ripened ones picked early.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Full Sun Mulch pH Pollination Trellis

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