Kiwi Plant Boskoop (self-fertile) - Actinidia deliciosa

A single Boskoop Kiwi plant is enough to produce abundantly, it is said to be self-fertile. In October-November, this variety produces ovoid fruits with a brownish-red hairy skin, of small to medium size. Delicately tasty, the tender green pulp is sweet and juicy, with a grainy texture. Low in calories, this fruit is rich in calcium, vitamin C and E, fibre, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a treasure for our diet. The branches of the Chinese Kiwi need support: a trellis, pergola, arbor, or stretched wires. Planting is recommended in autumn, or in spring for areas with cold winters.

In the Kiwi category, the ornamental Kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta), the Kiwaï (Actinidia arguta) with smooth skin also known as Siberian Kiwi or Hardy Kiwi, and the Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa) with hairy skin also known as Chinese Gooseberry or yang tao can be found. All three belong to the Actinidiaceae family. Originally from China, the Actinidia deliciosa or chinensis produces long branches that can reach 5 to 7 metres (16 to 23 feet) in length. The branches bear deciduous leaves, round in shape, measuring 12 to 20cm (5 to 8in) in diameter, dark green and with very pronounced veins. From the third or fourth year of cultivation, in May-June, male flowers with cream-white petals appear in the leaf axils, grouped in axillary cymes, and solitary female flowers, 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in size, with a yellowish-white colour. The fleshy fruit of the Boskoop Kiwi, oval to elliptical in shape, weighing 30 to 40 grams, has a thin skin covered with hairs. It reaches maturity from October to November and can be stored for one to two weeks after harvest. The flesh is tender, sweet, and juicy, with numerous oily seeds that give the pulp a grainy texture. Peeling is relatively easy and the entire interior is edible. Fruiting begins 3 to 4 years after planting.

It is enjoyable to consume kiwi fruits fresh from the garden, but they also keep very well for about two weeks in the refrigerator. They ripen faster when placed next to bananas or apples. Production can reach up to 30 to 50kg per plant. Kiwi can be consumed fresh, its flavour is refreshing and melting, a real delight. It can be enjoyed in pies, fruit salads, dairy desserts, jams, jellies, compotes, fruit juices, and cocktails. As a sweet vegetable, it can tenderly accompany white meat dishes (poultry, veal, pork, etc.).

In addition to its fruiting qualities, its abundant foliage, fragrant flowering, and the generosity of its branches provide the Kiwi with an ornamental use in the garden. This plant needs to be trained on a solid support such as stretched wires on a frame, a trellis, an arbour, a pergola, or a fence. The Boskoop Actinidia deliciosa is a self-fertile kiwi variety, capable of fruiting without the presence of another kiwi plant nearby, so it is highly recommended for a small-sized garden or when space is limited.