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Hardy Kiwi Vitikiwi (self-fertile) - Actinidia arguta

Actinidia arguta Vitikiwi
Hardy Kiwi, Tara Vine, Kiwai, Kiwiberry, Grape Kiwi

3,9/5
10 reviews
4 reviews
1 reviews
1 reviews
3 reviews

Planted late at the base of two cherry tree trunks, just before the June drought, they have grown and flourished. If this continues, I should be able to enjoy my fruits in 3 years' time.

Charlotte, 14/11/2023

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

The Kiwi Vine Vitikiwi (Actinidia arguta) is a self-fertile variety, producing small green, seedless fruits with smooth skin. A single plant is enough to obtain fruits. The Kiwi Vine or Siberian Kiwi is a cousin of the Kiwi with smaller and sweeter fruits that can be eaten with the skin. It needs to be trained along a pergola, trellis, or arbour. Plant in autumn (or in spring in regions with cold winters) for a harvest in September - October from the 2nd or 3rd year.
Flavour
Sugary
Height at maturity
5 m
Spread at maturity
3 m
Exposure
Sun
Self-fertilising
Best planting time October to November
Recommended planting time March to April, September to November
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Flowering time June to July
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Harvest time September to October
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Description

Kiwi Vitikiwi (Actinidia arguta) is a self-fertile variety that produces small, seedless green fruits with smooth skin. One plant is sufficient to obtain fruits. The Kiwiberry or Siberian Kiwi is a cousin of the kiwi, with smaller and sweeter fruits that can be eaten with the skin. It needs to be trained along a pergola, trellis, or arbour. Plant in autumn (or in spring in regions with cold winters), for a harvest in September - October from the 2nd or 3rd year.

 

The Kiwaï (Actinidia arguta), also known as Siberian Kiwi or Summer Kiwi, belongs to the Actinidiaceae family, just like its cousin the Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa). It is a vigorous climbing vine with deciduous foliage native to Asia that reaches 5 m (16ft) high. The Kiwaï is very hardy, able to withstand -20°C. The stems bear large heart-shaped, 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long leaves with fine, bristly teeth. In early summer (June-July), fragrant and nectar-rich, white-green flowers with purple anthers appear, grouped in threes at the axils of the leaves.

The flowers are followed by oval berries with smooth and thin skin, smaller than kiwis (2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter) and seedless in this variety. The taste is similar to gooseberries. It is sweeter than the usual kiwi and richer in calcium and vitamin C. The Vitikiwi variety is self-fertile, one plant is sufficient to obtain fruits.

The beauty of its foliage and its fragrant flowering make it an ornamental plant. You must train this plant on a solid support, such as a wall with sturdy wires, a trellis, a pergola, a tree trunk, or a fence. This fruit is very popular with children because it can be picked and eaten straight from the vine. Harvesting takes place from late September to October. The fruits can be easily stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks. Keep them separate from other fruits to prevent them from ripening too quickly. The flavour is well suited for modern cuisine, enhances the fragrance of fruit salads and lends itself to the creation of sweet-savoury dishes.

Hardy Kiwi Vitikiwi (self-fertile) - Actinidia arguta in pictures

Hardy Kiwi Vitikiwi (self-fertile) - Actinidia arguta (Foliage) Foliage
Hardy Kiwi Vitikiwi (self-fertile) - Actinidia arguta (Harvest) Harvest

Plant habit

Height at maturity 5 m
Spread at maturity 3 m
Growth rate fast

Fruit

Fruit colour green
Fruit diameter 3 cm
Flavour Sugary
Use Table, Jam, Patisserie
Harvest time September to October

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time June to July
Fragrance Fragrant, Floral
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour medium green

Botanical data

Genus

Actinidia

Species

arguta

Cultivar

Vitikiwi

Family

Actinidiaceae

Other common names

Hardy Kiwi, Tara Vine, Kiwai, Kiwiberry, Grape Kiwi

Origin

Central Asia

Product reference8278511

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Planting and care

Planting is best done in autumn, or spring for regions with cold winters. Plant in moist, rich, light, and well-drained, non-chalky soil. The plant dislikes stagnant humidity. Plant it in a sunny location sheltered from strong winds.

Space the plants 2 to 3m (7 to 10ft) apart. Dig a hole 50 cm (20in) in all directions. Spread a layer of gravel at the bottom and then a layer of soil mixed with compost. Lay the root ball diagonally and bring the stems upright along the support. Backfill with the same mixture. Provide support to help its twining branches climb. Water with half a watering can. The Kiwi has spreading roots, which develop horizontally below the soil surface. The soil should remain moist in summer, so it is a good idea to mulch the base with a layer of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in). Mulching is doubly useful, it prevents the germination of weeds and prevents water evaporation from the soil surface.

This Kiwi requires little maintenance, simply water regularly. During periods of high heat, water it once or twice a week. Once established and rooted, the plant can fend for itself and becomes less water-demanding. Apply a fertiliser rich in bonemeal at the start of the growing season. An application of specialised fruit tree fertiliser during the flowering period will be very beneficial.

Actinidia arguta is not very susceptible to insects and pests but can be susceptible to red spiders in a hot and dry environment. To eliminate them, lightly mist the foliage and soil.

Planting period

Best planting time October to November
Recommended planting time March to April, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Climbing, Orchard
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral, Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), Well-drained, fertile.

Care

Pruning instructions Actinidia arguta is a twining plant that can quickly invade its space. To contain its growth, prune the current year's shoots after the harvest in October-November. You can also lightly prune it at the end of winter before growth restarts. Prune it two buds above the last fruits. It is essential to maintain a basic structure, which means a few main branches that will form the framework of the plant.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March, October to November
Soil moisture Wet
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
3,9/5

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