Kiwifruit is almost exclusively propagated asexually by grafting fruiting varieties onto seedling rootstock, or using semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings to ensure production of true to type cultivars. Kiwifruit seeds are not guaranteed to produce plants with desirable traits (bloom time, cane growth, fruit shape, or edibility) present in either parent. Additionally, seedlings have a long juvenile period, requiring up to seven years before sex determination is possible. As a result of these complications kiwifruit is only propagated by seed when breeding new cultivars or to produce rootstocks.
To grow kiwifruit rootstock seedlings, collect seeds from well ripened soft fruit in November. Blend fruit in a blender, push the resulting slurry through a fine mesh sieve, and place seeds in a drying oven for two weeks. After 2-3 weeks alternate temperatures to mimic day/night cycles. To germinate seeds place them on moist sand at 34oF. After 10-14 days seedlings will germinate and should be planted into greenhouse pots containing sterile, well drained potting mix. Maintain seedlings for 3-4 months in the greenhouse at 60-80oF, then harden seedlings outdoors under a shade cloth before planting in the field.