How to Propagate Fuzzy Kiwi

Prepare the propagation container before taking the kiwi vine cutting by pouring sterile seed-starting mix into a 1-gallon planting pot and wetting it thoroughly. If the mix contains a large amount of peat moss, you may need to stir it as you add water to ensure the mix is evenly moist. Poke a planting hole in the mix with a pencil and set the pot aside to drain while you take the cutting.

Choose fuzzy kiwi stems that snap when bent. This part of the stem is typically found in the middle, as the tips are too green and the part of the stem closer to the branch is too woody. Use sharp pruning shears to cut 3- to 6-inch stem cuttings from the fuzzy kiwi vine.

Remove all the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving two at the top. Cut the remaining leaves in half. Leave only 1/2 inch of stem above the leaves.

Cut the bottom of the stem immediately below the bottom leaf node. Lightly scrape the outer bark with a razor blade from the bottom of the cutting, on both sides of the leaf node. Scrape the bark lengthwise, about 1/2 inch up the stem.

Dip the bottom portion of the stem into the rooting hormone powder so the bottom two to three nodes are covered in it and immediately stick it into the prepared potting mix.

Insert craft sticks into the potting mix at the inside rim of the pot. Slide the pot into a plastic bag, adjusting the plastic so the craft sticks hold it away from the cutting. Seal the bag and poke four to five very small holes in it to allow air to circulate.

Place the potted cutting in a shady area. It should produce roots within 60 days. Test it by tugging gently on it. If your tug meets with resistance, the cutting has rooted and you can remove it from the plastic bag.

Keep the planting medium moist at all times. Fertilize the cutting when it produces new shoots. Use 1 teaspoon of slow-release 18-6-2 fertilizer and repeat the application in July.