Kiwi Plant Kiwi Gold - Actinidia deliciosa

The Actinidia deliciosa (or chinensis) 'Kiwi Gold' is an innovative variety of kiwi with yellow fruits, characterised by its ability to self-pollinate and fruit autonomously. As a result, it is particularly suitable for small gardens or limited spaces. However, to increase productivity, it is interesting to plant a male plant nearby, such as the variety 'Tomuri'.

The 'Kiwi Gold' produces beautiful ovoid fruits, with sweet flesh devoid of acidity. Exquisitely sweet, they subtly release their flavours once in the mouth, offering a most enjoyable experience. The fruits reach maturity in November-December, usually from the 3rd or 4th year of plant growth. With vigorous growth, the climbing branches of Kiwi Gold require support such as trellises, pergolas, arbours, or stretched wires. It is recommended to ideally plant in autumn or throughout the year, except during freezing periods. Choose a sunny location with rich soil that remains moist, preferably non-limestone.

In the category of Kiwi, we find the Ornamental Kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta), the Kiwaï (Actinidia arguta) with smooth skin also known as Siberian Kiwi or Summer Kiwi, and the Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa) with velvety skin also known as Chinese Actinidia, Chinese Gooseberry, Yang Tao, or Vegetable Mouse. All three belong to the Actinidiaceae family. Originally from China, the kiwi is a vigorous climbing vine that can grow 3m per year under favourable conditions. This climbing plant must be trained on a solid support, such as a wall with sturdy wires, a trellis, an arbour, a tree trunk, or a fence. It will reach a height of 5m and a spread of 10m and needs to be pruned to control its growth. Some varieties are self-fertile (male and female flowers on the same plant) and can be planted alone. Other varieties bear either male or female flowers and require the presence of a plant of the opposite sex for pollination. One male plant can pollinate about 5 to 6 female plants. Only female plants produce fruits. The 'Kiwi Gold' cultivar is self-fertile.

The Kiwi Gold is hardy up to -15°C, but it can be sensitive to late frosts, as the buds freeze at -5°C. Its foliage is deciduous, falling in autumn. The climbing stems bear large, ovate, and entire leaves, 12 to 20 cm long, with a dark matte green colour on top and lighter underneath, covered, like the stems, with small red hairs. From the third or fourth year of cultivation, during the period of May-June, male flowers with cream-white petals form in the axils of the leaves, grouped in axillary cymes. Simultaneously, solitary female flowers, measuring 3 to 4 cm and whitish-yellow in color, also appear.

The flowering of Kiwi Gold is followed by the formation of large, fleshy, ovoid berries, 3 to 4 cm in diameter and about 5 to 6 cm long, weighing 30 to 50 grams. The skin is thin, covered with hairs, of a golden bronze-brown colour. Peeling it is relatively easy and the entire interior is edible. The flesh is yellow, juicy, sweet, without acidity, and contains numerous small black seeds. Kiwi is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Harvesting is done in November-December, after the first frosts.

The fruits can be harvested even when they are still green, as they continue to ripen after picking. They keep well at a cool temperature of 5°C, in a cellar, for more than a month. The Kiwi is ripe when it is soft to the touch. Place kiwis next to apples or bananas to speed up their ripening. At the right maturity, once peeled, the flesh of this kiwi is soft and refreshing, making it a true delight. It can be enjoyed in preparations such as pies, fruit salads, dairy desserts, jams, jellies, compotes, fruit juices, and cocktails. As a sweet vegetable, it can also delicately accompany dishes based on white meats, such as poultry, veal, pork, etc.

The fruiting of Kiwi Gold begins after 3 to 4 years of planting, offering a yield of up to 30 to 50 kg per plant. In addition to its fruit qualities, it stands out for its generous growth, lush foliage, and slightly fragrant flowering, adding an ornamental dimension to the garden. For optimal growth, it is recommended to train Kiwi on a solid support such as stretched wires, trellises, arbours, pergolas, or fences.