Hardy kiwi - Actinidia arguta (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images, Edible)

Hardy kiwi

Also known as: Baby kiwi, Dessert kiwi, Bower actinidia, Siberian gooseberry, Kolomikta Vine, Bower vine, Kiwi Vine, Kiwino

A deciduous climber, the Actinidia arguta is grown for its edible fruit and attractive foliage that produces pleasant-scented flowers. The fruits have excellent flavors and are slightly sweet. This is a kiwi cultivar that is disease resistant, and it boasts gorgeous foliage all summer.

Scientific classification

Species

Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta)

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Vine

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

4 m

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

White

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Hardy kiwi

Distribution of Hardy kiwi

Distribution Map

Hardy kiwi is indigenous to temperate regions of East Asia and has been introduced to other continents such as North America and Europe. This plant thrives in broadleaf forests and has successfully adapted to various climates beyond its native range, where it is also cultivated.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woodland, Mountain forests, Thickets, Streamsides

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Hardy kiwi, including the following common varieties :

Tara vine 'Issai'

Quickly Identify Hardy kiwi

Dioecious nature with separate male and female plants.

Leaves reach up to 5 inches (12.7 cm) in length, dark green with serrated margins.

Fruit is a fleshy true berry, 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) in diameter, with bright green flesh.

Flowers are small, 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) in diameter, fragrant with thin white petals.

Trunk is slender with smooth, thin bark, brown with slight mottled pattern.

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Care Guide for Hardy kiwi

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Hardy kiwi prefers a consistently moist environment with steady humidity, tolerating short dry spells. Water every three weeks for optimal health. While typically grown outdoors, it's crucial to adapt care for varying rainfall patterns.

Fertilize: To promote growth and fruiting, hardy kiwi requires balanced nutrition. Use a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer biannually, applying 2 ounces per plant in early spring and mid-summer. Avoid fertilization in winter and ensure thorough watering for nutrient absorption, adjusting amounts as hardy kiwi matures to prevent root burn.

Propagation: Hardy kiwi is a vigorous climbing plant that produces kiwi-like fruit, thriving in well-drained soil and ample sunlight. It is propagated mainly from semi-hardwood cuttings, requiring attention to humidity and temperature. Regular pruning is essential for maintaining fruit productivity and managing growth.

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