Hardy Super Jumbo (female) - Actinidia arguta

Distinguishable by its elongated shape, the fruit of the Super Jumbo Kiwai arguta weighs up to 11 grams. With an exotic flavour, it is sweet, slightly tart, and melts in the mouth. In September-October, this variety produces abundantly extremely tasty fruits with smooth green skin and green flesh, rich in calcium and vitamin C. Like grapes, the smooth and thin skin of the Kiwai allows you to enjoy the whole fruit. This female, non-self-fertile variety requires the presence of a male plant nearby for pollination. The climbing branches of Kiwais or Siberian kiwis need support: a trellis, pergola, arbour, or taut wires. Plant in non-limestone soil, preferably in autumn, or in spring for regions with cold winters.

In the Kiwi category, there is the Ornamental Kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta), the Fuzzy Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa) with fuzzy skin, and the Kiwai (Actinidia arguta) with smooth skin, also known as Siberian Kiwi or Hardy Kiwi. All three belong to the Actinidiaceae family. The Kiwai is native to Asia and produces long climbing branches that can reach 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 feet) in length. Very hardy down to -20°C (-4°F). With deciduous foliage. The branches bear 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) long heart-shaped green leaves. In June-July, fragrant and nectar-rich cream-white flowers with purple anthers appear at the axils of the leaves, grouped in threes. The elongated fruits, 2.5 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter and 5 to 7cm (2 to 3in) long, with smooth and thin skin, ripen in September-October. They can be stored for one to two weeks after picking. Its green, sweet, fragrant, and slightly tart flesh has an exotic taste. It is rich in calcium and vitamin C. It is consumed whole. Fruiting begins 2 to 3 years after planting. The female Kiwai arguta Super Jumbo is not a self-fertile variety, so it needs a male plant nearby. The male kiwi 'Prince Jumbo' will be a good pollinator. Like Kiwi, one male plant can fertilise 4 to 5 female plants.

In addition to its fruiting qualities, the lush foliage, fragrant flowering, and generous branches of the Kiwai provide an ornamental use and utility in the garden. This plant needs to be trained on a sturdy support such as wires stretched on a support, a trellis, an arbour, a pergola, or a fence.

The fruits of the Super Jumbo Kiwi arguta are harvested from September to October. They also keep very well for about two weeks in the refrigerator. Production can reach up to 40 to 50kg per plant. Kiwai can be eaten fresh, its flavour is refreshing and melting, a true delight. It can be enjoyed in pies, fruit salads, dairy desserts, jam, jelly, compote, fruit juice, and cocktails. As a sweet vegetable, it can tenderly accompany white meat dishes.