Hardy kiwi is a deciduous woody vine that originates from eastern Asia. It is an attractive plant with dark green foliage and fragrant white flowers that appear in late spring but is primarily grown for its tart and sweet pale green fruits. Kiwi are dioecious, which means individual plants have either female flowers or male flowers. So, it is necessary to have at least two vines, one female and one male, for cross-pollination and fruiting.
For high productivity, plant these in locations with full sun and rich well-drained soil. Hardy kiwi must be trained on a strong trellis or fence. (info source: learn2grow.com)
Genus - Actinidia
Species - Arguta
Common name - Hardy kiwi
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 7
Height - 18'-22' / 5.50 - 7 m
Spread - 3'-4' / 0.90 - 1.20 m
Plant type - Vine
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Neutral
Soil type - Loam
Water requirements - Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Landscape uses - Edible, Feature Plant, Vine
Germination rate - 84%
Bloom season - Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Green-dark red anthers
Useful Info | |
Germination | 1. Fill a nursery flat or other germination container, to within 1/2 inch of the rim, with a sterile germinating mix. Moisten the mix thoroughly. 2. Sow the Actinidia seeds on the surface of the mix. Moisten the seeds and place the flat in a cold frame or in the refrigerator at +2-+4C for three months. Keep the seeds moist during this period. 3. Remove the flat from the refrigerator and place it in an area with indirect sunlight and where the temperature remains between 50 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. 4. Place a fan either to the side of the flat or overhead, set to low speed, to provide air circulation. Seeds are susceptible to damping off – a fungal disease that kills seeds and seedlings. Good air circulation is one method of avoiding the disease. 5. Spray the seeds periodically with room-temperature water from a misting bottle to ensure they remain moist. Actinidia seeds typically germinate within 20 days to three months. (source: eHow.com) |