Kiwi Plant Solo (self-fertile) - Actinidia chinensis

The 'Solo' Actinidia chinensis is a self-fertile variety of kiwi, capable of fruiting without the presence of another kiwi plant nearby, making it ideal for a small garden or when space is limited. This vigorous deciduous climber, with its twining stems reaching 7 to 8 meters (23 to 26 feet), produces beautiful pale yellow to white fragrant flowers in May-June, which then give way to numerous hairy kiwis, small in size (20 to 30g), sweet and juicy, ripening in late October to early November. Planting is best done in autumn or year-round in frost-free conditions, in a rich, preferably non-alkaline soil that remains moist.

The Solo Kiwi is a horticultural creation from the Netherlands, developed by André F. van Nijnatten. Its ancestor, the Actinidia chinensis or A.deliciosa, also known as Chinese gooseberry, belongs to the Actinidiaceae family. Native to China, the kiwi is a vigorous climber that can grow up to 3 metres (10 feet) per year under favourable conditions. This climbing plant should be trained on a sturdy support, such as a wall with strong wires, a trellis, a pergola, a tree trunk, or a fence. It often requires pruning to control its growth.

The kiwi is very hardy, able to withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F), but the plant is sensitive to late frosts, as the buds freeze at -5°C (23°F). Its foliage is deciduous, falling in winter and reappearing in spring. The stems bear large, ovate, smooth-edged leaves, dark matte green on top and lighter underneath, along with small red hairs on both the stems and leaves. From the third or fourth year of cultivation, clusters of flowers appear in May-June on the previous year's branches. These are fragrant flowers with broad cream-white petals and numerous yellow stamens.

Kiwi is rich in vitamin C, fibre, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Harvesting takes place around November, before the frosts. A single male plant can pollinate approximately 5 to 6 female plants. Only female plants produce fruit.