Issai kiwi is a cold-hardy, self-fertile kiwi vine that produces sweet, smooth-skinned fruit—no male pollinator required! But to get your Issai kiwi plant off to a strong start, nothing matters more than watering correctly after planting.
Whether you’re growing it on a fence, trellis, or arbor, this guide will show you how to water your Issai kiwi plant before and after planting, manage drought conditions, and ensure transplant success in your first growing season.
🪣 Before Planting: Soak the Roots
When you receive your bare root Issai kiwi from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC, start by soaking the roots in clean water for 4–12 hours before planting.
This helps:
- Rehydrate the roots after transit,
- Wake the vine from dormancy,
- Reduce transplant shock and improve root-to-soil contact.
💡 Don’t soak for more than 24 hours. Plant immediately after soaking for best results.
🌱 Step 1: Water Deeply After Planting
Once planted, give your kiwi vine a deep, thorough watering. This helps:
- Settle the soil,
- Eliminate air pockets,
- Initiate root hydration and growth.
✅ Use Soil Moist Transplant Mix in the planting hole to hold moisture at the roots and slowly release it over time. This is especially helpful in sandy soils or warmer zones.
🗓️ Weeks 1–2: Keep Soil Evenly Moist
During the first 2 weeks:
- Water every 2–3 days, depending on temperature and drainage.
- Keep the soil consistently moist—but not soggy.
- Wilting, curling, or dry leaves are signs your kiwi needs water ASAP.
💧 Issai kiwi plants are fast growers but require reliable moisture to establish strong roots and early vine growth.
🗓️ Weeks 3–8: Deep Watering, Less Often
As the plant begins to leaf out and take hold:
- Water once or twice per week, depending on rainfall and soil type.
- Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Always water at the base of the plant—avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal risk.
Supporting early growth with proper watering sets the stage for fruit production and vine expansion.
☀️ Drought Conditions: Keep Your Kiwi Alive
Issai kiwi vines can tolerate light drought once mature, but not during their first season.
In drought:
- Water deeply 2x per week, using 1–2 gallons per watering.
- Water in early morning or late evening to avoid evaporation loss.
- Mulch heavily and reapply as needed.
- Use Soil Moist Transplant Mix at planting to reduce watering frequency.
🌿 A dry start can stunt your kiwi vine or delay fruiting by a full season—stay on top of watering in dry spells!
🥝 Where to Buy the Best Issai Kiwi Plants?
That’s easy: Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC
Here’s why:
- ✅ Top-quality bare root Issai kiwi plants
- ✅ Fast shipping so you plant at the right time
- ✅ Lowest prices on rare & productive vines
- ✅ FREE 1-Year Plantsurance Guarantee
→ Store credit if your plant doesn’t survive
→ Zero Stress. All Success.
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