Hardy kiwi
Actinidia
Kiwi vines (Actinidia) are deciduous twining climbers from the temperate forests of eastern Asia, mainly China, Japan and the Russian Far East. They are grown for their edible fruits as well as for their large, decorative leaves. Most species carry male and female flowers on separate plants, so a male plant is usually needed nearby to get fruit.
Fuzzy Kiwifruit
Actinidia deliciosa
The kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) is the classic kiwi from the temperate regions of China. It is a vigorous climber with large, rounded leaves and young stems covered in reddish hairs. In May and June it bears fragrant, creamy-white flowers on last year's wood, followed on female plants by the familiar egg-sized fruits with a brown, hairy skin.
Location and soil
Kiwifruit needs a warm, sunny position sheltered from the wind, for instance against a south- or west-facing wall. The soil should be fresh, rich, light, well-drained and not chalky. Established plants are reasonably winter-hardy in Belgium, but buds and young shoots are easily damaged by late frosts.
Pruning and care
Plant a male nearby unless you choose a self-fertile type. Build a framework in the first years, then prune every winter, from December to February, cutting fruited shoots back to a couple of buds; in July shorten overly vigorous shoots and thin out excess fruit. Mulch the base for the first winters. The first fruits usually come after four to five years.
Use in the garden
Grown on a pergola, trellis or wall, kiwifruit gives shade, attractive foliage and a crop for the home garden. The fruits are harvested in October and November, before the frosts, and keep ripening indoors; stored cool, they last for several weeks.
