Hardy Kiwi Scarlet September (female) - Actinidia arguta

The Kiwi arguta 'Scarlet September' 'Mirzan' is a productive female Siberian Kiwi variety that bears fruit from late August to mid-September.  Its extremely delicious and melting small fruits are ruby red in colour. A true delicacy, with a smooth and thin skin like a grape, they can be enjoyed whole. Their red flesh, juicy, sweet and with a mild flavour, surprises with its pleasant strawberry taste. This female variety requires the presence of a male plant nearby for pollination. The voluble branches of the kiwis need support: trellis, pergola, arbor or stretched wires. Planting is recommended in autumn or spring for regions with cold winters.

In the Kiwi category, we find the Ornamental Kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta), the Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa) with a fuzzy skin, and the Kiwaï (Actinidia arguta) with a smooth skin also known as Siberian Kiwi or Summer Kiwi. All three belong to the Actinidiaceae family. Selected by Mirosław Zaniewski, the Kiwi arguta 'Scarlet September' is a new Polish cultivar that produces long voluble branches that can reach 4 to 6 m (13 to 20ft) in length. Very hardy to -25°C. Deciduous foliage. The branches bear 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4in) long, heart-shaped green leaves. In June-July, fragrant and honey-bearing flowers appear at the axils of the leaves, creamy white in colour with purple anthers, grouped in threes.

The 'Scarlet September' fruits measure 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter and 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in length. They reach ripeness from late August to mid-September. They can be stored for one to two weeks after harvesting. Its red, sweet, fragrant flesh resembles the taste of strawberries. It is rich in calcium and vitamin C. It can be consumed whole. Fruiting begins 2 to 3 years after planting. The Scarlet September kiwi arguta (female) is not a self-fertile variety, so it needs a male plant nearby. The kiwi arguta 'Weikii' (male) will be an excellent pollinator. Like the Kiwi, one male plant can fertilise 4 to 5 female plants.

In addition to its fruit qualities, the Kiwaï's lush foliage, fragrant flowers, and generous branches provide ornamental use and utility in the garden. This plant needs to be trained on a strong support such as stretched wires on a support, a trellis, an arbor, a pergola, or a fence. It prefers a light, fresh, non-calcareous soil and a sunny exposure.

The fruits of the Kiwi arguta 'Scarlet September' (female) are harvested from September to October. It is pleasant to consume and enjoy the fruits in the garden. They can also be stored very well for about two weeks in the refrigerator. The production can reach up to 40 to 50 kg per plant. The Kiwaï can be consumed fresh, its flavour is refreshing and melting, a true delight. It can be enjoyed in tarts, fruit salads, dairy desserts, jams, jellies, compotes, fruit juice, and cocktails. As a sweet vegetable, it can tenderly accompany white meat dishes (poultry, veal, pork, etc.).