Actinidia arguta – Hardy Kiwi

General Information: Hardy Kiwi is a cold-hardy dioecious vine that bears delectable fruit from late summer through late fall. Fruits are about the size of a grape and have been nicknamed “Kiwi Berries” due to their appearance and the way they are eaten. Fruits are picked straight from the vine, like a berry. The whole fruit, including the skin, is edible. These vigorous vines have dense, dark green foliage and bear fragrant but inconspicuous white flowers in early June here in Western Massachusetts. Flowering times may differ depending on climate. We have observed the flowers emerge in mid-April, roughly 6 weeks after the leaves unfurl in our greenhouses, which have a climate similar to South Carolina.

Edible Qualities: The fruit, which ripens in late summer and early fall, is about ¾” – 1¼” long. They taste much like commercial Kiwi Fruit, to which they are closely related, but there are subtle differences depending on the cultivar. As a whole, Hardy Kiwi is generally sweeter than commercial Kiwis. The seeds are very small and not noticeable. Eating the fruits is like eating large, Kiwi-flavored, seedless Grapes! Fruit is best picked fresh and eaten straight from the vine, as there is no need to remove skin or seeds. The fruit is also excellent dehydrated. Once picked, they can last about 1 week with refrigeration.

Care Instructions: An extremely vigorous climber that can grow up to 15′ in a season! They are wind and insect pollinated, so male and female plants can be planted up to 50′ apart. One male can pollenize up to eight females. They tolerate frequent heavy pruning, all the way to the ground if need be. Trained vines are useful as a hedge, pergola covering, and especially as a feature in food forests. Vines that have been pruned may not flower the following year, so it is often helpful to train them to develop two trunks, with each one being pruned in alternating years. Most selections are hardy to around -30° F. In their native range, the vigorous vines typically grow into trees, where they climb about 40′. They have been known to topple small trees and snap limbs.

Planting Requirements: Plant in full sun to part shade. Plants in partial shade will spread more aggressively than those in sun. We have not seen fruit set affected by shade. Tolerates a wide range of soil types and conditions. Does not tolerate standing water.