(Located W1, G4) The hardy kiwi can be eaten whole since it has a smooth skin and is about the size of a large grape. It is high in Vitamin C and minerals like its relative, the fuzzy Kiwifruit.
Hardy kiwis can take 3-9 years for both male and female plants to reach blossom maturity. Blossoms occur on current year’s growth coming out of last year’s wood. All kiwis prefer rich well-drained soil, need protection from strong winds, and are susceptible to late spring frosts after bud break which can kill the first emerging leaves.
Plant with root crown slightly exposed to avoid trunk rot. May require protection around the trunk initially until established to avoid damage by cats as all Actinidia vines contain a substance similar to catnip!
Fruit can be ripened on the vine or picked when still hard and ripened indoors in a cool location.
Hardy kiwis need a strong trellis and once established can grow 15 feet or more in a season. Always build the trellis first before planting and keep in mind that kiwis like to
have sun to warm their roots. Pruning twice a year in January and July will keep your kiwi fruitful and within the bounds of its trellis. See video below to understand kiwi pruning .
The hardy kiwi female variety on the kiwi trellis is Ananasnaja. Next to it is a hardy male plant. The fuzzy kiwi female is Hayward. It is at the west end of the trellis. A male fuzzy kiwi is next to it. One male plant can pollinate up to nine females. Only the females produce fruit. Male fuzzy kiwis will pollinate both fuzzy and hardy females. Also male hardy kiwis will pollinate fuzzy females. The kiwi trellis is located W1, H4 planted in 2003.
