Profile
hardy kiwiActinidia arguta
Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) is a robust climbing plant that produces small, smooth-skinned, sweet fruits. Ideal for natural gardens and as a healthy snack directly from the vine.

Quick profile
Key data
Planting
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Harvest
Sep, Oct
Water
medium
Good neighbors
BorageCalendulaStrawberryClover
Avoid
Aggressive WeedsShallow-rooted Competitors
Growing data
hardy kiwi Growing data
Seed depth
0.5 - 1 cm
Plant spacing
200 - 400 cm
Row spacing
300 - 500 cm
Germination temp
15 - 20 °C
Sowing and germination
Planting and spacing
Temperature and site
Water, nutrients and care
Container, support and growth
Year plan
hardy kiwi Calendar
Indoor sowing
Indoor sowing is uncommon and requires cold stratification of seeds.
Direct sowing
Direct outdoor sowing is uncommon and requires cold stratification of seeds.
Planting
Planting in spring after the last frosts or in autumn.
Harvest
Fruits ripen from September to October, depending on variety and location.
Year plan
- Perform winter pruning
- Complete winter pruning
- Plant young plants
- First fertilization
- Plant young plants
- Guide shoots
- Plant young plants
- Water regularly
- Perform summer pruning
- Water regularly
- Continue summer pruning
- Water regularly
- Water regularly
- First harvest (depending on variety)
- Main harvest
- Plant young plants
- Complete harvest
- Plant young plants
Growing
hardy kiwi Site, soil and care
Spacing
200 - 400 cm
Storage
Storage duration: Ripe fruits: 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator; Unripe fruits: 4-8 weeks in the refrigerator, then 3-7 days at room temperature to ripen., Storage conditions: Cool and humid (refrigerator) for unripe fruits. Ripe fruits should be consumed or processed quickly., Storage notes: Storage life depends heavily on the ripeness at harvest. Unripe fruits can be stored significantly longer.
Pruning
hardy kiwi Pruning
modified_cane_and_spur_pruning_on_permanent_framework
Goal
modified_cane_and_spur_pruning_on_permanent_framework
Pruning timing
winter
Structure building, fruiting wood renewal, thinning The main pruning is done in late winter when the plant is dormant and before sap rise begins. This minimizes 'bleeding' from cuts.
summer
Growth regulation, fruit exposure to light, promotion of fruit quality In early summer, long, vegetative shoots are shortened to direct energy into the fruits and improve ventilation. Shoots that are not bearing fruit can be cut back more severely.
Remove
- Dead, diseased, or damaged wood
- Old fruiting wood (older than 3 years) that is less productive
- Weak, thin, or crossing shoots
- Excessive vegetative shoots that overcrowd the framework
- Water sprouts and suckers
Preserve
- The main framework (trunk and main branches)
- One-year-old shoots that will bear fruit next year
- Two-year-old shoots with fruiting wood (often the most productive)
- Strong, well-positioned new shoots for replacing old fruiting wood
Avoid
- Removing too much fruiting wood at once
- Cutting into the main framework unless necessary for correction
- Pruning during heavy sap flow in spring (leads to 'bleeding')
- Removing all new shoots, as these form the fruiting wood for future years
Tools and hygiene
Always use sharp and clean pruning tools to ensure smooth cuts and minimize disease transmission. Disinfect tools regularly, especially after cutting diseased plant parts.
Companion guide
hardy kiwi Companion guide
Good neighbors
BorageCalendulaStrawberryClover
Avoid
Aggressive WeedsShallow-rooted Competitors
Health
Pests, Diseases
Plant health
FAQ
Do I need to plant male and female hardy kiwis?
Yes, most hardy kiwi varieties are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. For fruit production, you need at least one male plant for every 5-8 female plants. However, there are also self-fertile varieties like 'Issai', which still benefit from an additional male plant for higher yields.
When is the best time to prune hardy kiwis?
The main pruning (winter pruning) is done in late winter (January/February), before sap rise begins. Summer pruning for shoot regulation and better fruit exposure is recommended in early summer (June/July) after fruit set.
Why isn't my hardy kiwi bearing fruit?
Common reasons include the absence of a male pollinator plant (for dioecious varieties), insufficient insect pollination, late frost damage to flowers, or incorrect pruning that removed fruiting wood. Very young plants often only bear fruit after 2-3 years.
Can hardy kiwis be grown in containers?
Yes, hardy kiwis can be grown in containers, but they require very large pots (at least 50-90 liters volume) and extremely sturdy support. Regular watering, fertilization, and consistent pruning are essential.
Related plants
Common Kiwi (large-fruited)
Belongs to the same genus Actinidia.
Raspberry
Both belong to the berry fruit group.
Both are heavy feeders and require good nutrient supply.
Gooseberry
Both belong to the berry fruit group.
Grapevine
Similar susceptibility to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, due to similar growth habit and site requirements.
Tomato
Both are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization.
Strawberry
Both benefit from consistent moisture, especially during fruit development.
Internal links
Related plants
Sources
Public sources
- Wikidata entity
Wikidata · 2026-05-13
- GBIF species match
GBIF · 2026-05-13
- Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Scharfzähniger Strahlengriffel
Wikipedia · 2026-05-13
- English Wikipedia: Actinidia arguta
Wikipedia · 2026-05-13
Details
More public plant data
Names
Common
hardy kiwi
Plural
hardy kiwis
Scientific synonyms
- Trochostigma argutum
- Actinidia callosa var. arguta
- Actinidia rufa var. arguta
Synonyms
- hardy kiwi
- kiwiberry
- baby kiwi
- cocktail kiwi
- grape kiwi
- hardy kiwifruit
- Actinidia arguta fruit
Common synonyms
- hardy kiwi
- kiwiberry
- baby kiwi
- cocktail kiwi
- grape kiwi
- hardy kiwifruit
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
Misspellings
Search terms
- hardy kiwi
- hardy kiwis
- Actinidia arguta
- kiwiberry
- baby kiwi
- cocktail kiwi
- grape kiwi
- hardy kiwifruit
Taxonomy
Family
Kiwifruit family
Classification
Edible parts
- fruit
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Notes
Indoor sowing is uncommon and requires cold stratification of seeds.
Sowing outdoor
Notes
Direct outdoor sowing is uncommon and requires cold stratification of seeds.
Planting out
Months
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 10
Notes
Planting in spring after the last frosts or in autumn.
Harvest
Months
- 9
- 10
Notes
Fruits ripen from September to October, depending on variety and location.
Month tasks
1
Perform winter pruning (fruit wood maintenance)
2
Complete winter pruning
3
Planting of young plants
First fertilization with compost or organic fertilizer
4
Planting of young plants
Guide shoots to supports
5
Planting of young plants
Water regularly during dry periods
Guide shoots to supports
6
Summer pruning for shoot regulation and fruit wood promotion
Water regularly, especially during fruit set
7
Continue summer pruning
Water regularly, especially during fruit development
8
Water regularly, especially during fruit development
First fruits may be ripe (depending on variety)
9
Main harvest of hardy kiwis
Planting of young plants
10
Complete harvest
Planting of young plants
11
Protect young plants from severe frost
12
Protect young plants from severe frost
Month tasks structured
1
- Taskpruning
Label
Perform winter pruning
PriorityhighMonths
- 1
- 2
Notes
Remove old fruiting wood and thin out the plant to encourage new shoots and fruits.
2
- Taskpruning
Label
Complete winter pruning
PriorityhighMonths
- 1
- 2
Notes
Remove old fruiting wood and thin out the plant to encourage new shoots and fruits.
3
- Taskplanting
Label
Plant young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 10
Notes
Planting of young hardy kiwi plants in spring after the last frosts.
- Taskfertilizing
Label
First fertilization
PriorityhighMonths
- 3
Notes
Apply compost or organic slow-release fertilizer.
4
- Taskplanting
Label
Plant young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 10
Notes
Planting of young hardy kiwi plants in spring after the last frosts.
- Tasksupport_and_training
Label
Guide shoots
PrioritymediumMonths
- 4
- 5
Notes
Tie young shoots to the support to encourage good structure.
5
- Taskplanting
Label
Plant young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 10
Notes
Planting of young hardy kiwi plants in spring after the last frosts.
- Taskwatering
Label
Water regularly
PrioritymediumMonths
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Notes
Ensure adequate water supply, especially during dry periods and fruit development.
- Tasksupport_and_training
Label
Guide shoots
PrioritymediumMonths
- 4
- 5
Notes
Tie young shoots to the support to encourage good structure.
6
- Taskpruning
Label
Perform summer pruning
PriorityhighMonths
- 6
- 7
Notes
Shorten long shoots to promote fruit development and better light exposure.
- Taskwatering
Label
Water regularly
PrioritymediumMonths
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Notes
Ensure adequate water supply, especially during dry periods and fruit development.
7
- Taskpruning
Label
Continue summer pruning
PriorityhighMonths
- 6
- 7
Notes
Shorten long shoots to promote fruit development and better light exposure.
- Taskwatering
Label
Water regularly
PrioritymediumMonths
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Notes
Ensure adequate water supply, especially during dry periods and fruit development.
8
- Taskwatering
Label
Water regularly
PrioritymediumMonths
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Notes
Ensure adequate water supply, especially during dry periods and fruit development.
- Taskharvest
Label
First harvest (depending on variety)
PrioritylowMonths
- 8
Notes
Some early varieties may ripen in August.
9
- Taskharvest
Label
Main harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 9
- 10
Notes
Most varieties ripen in September and October. Fruits are ripe when they become slightly soft.
- Taskplanting
Label
Plant young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 10
Notes
Planting of young hardy kiwi plants in autumn.
10
- Taskharvest
Label
Complete harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 9
- 10
Notes
Most varieties ripen in September and October. Fruits are ripe when they become slightly soft.
- Taskplanting
Label
Plant young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 10
Notes
Planting of young hardy kiwi plants in autumn.
11
- Taskwinter_protection
Label
Winter protection for young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 11
- 12
Notes
Young hardy kiwi plants can benefit from protection with mulch or fleece during severe frosts in their first few years.
12
- Taskwinter_protection
Label
Winter protection for young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 11
- 12
Notes
Young hardy kiwi plants can benefit from protection with mulch or fleece during severe frosts in their first few years.
Structured month tasks
1
- Taskpruning
Label
Perform winter pruning
PriorityhighMonths
- 1
- 2
Notes
Remove old fruiting wood and thin out the plant to encourage new shoots and fruits.
2
- Taskpruning
Label
Complete winter pruning
PriorityhighMonths
- 1
- 2
Notes
Remove old fruiting wood and thin out the plant to encourage new shoots and fruits.
3
- Taskplanting
Label
Plant young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 10
Notes
Planting of young hardy kiwi plants in spring after the last frosts.
- Taskfertilizing
Label
First fertilization
PriorityhighMonths
- 3
Notes
Apply compost or organic slow-release fertilizer.
4
- Taskplanting
Label
Plant young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 10
Notes
Planting of young hardy kiwi plants in spring after the last frosts.
- Tasksupport_and_training
Label
Guide shoots
PrioritymediumMonths
- 4
- 5
Notes
Tie young shoots to the support to encourage good structure.
5
- Taskplanting
Label
Plant young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 10
Notes
Planting of young hardy kiwi plants in spring after the last frosts.
- Taskwatering
Label
Water regularly
PrioritymediumMonths
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Notes
Ensure adequate water supply, especially during dry periods and fruit development.
- Tasksupport_and_training
Label
Guide shoots
PrioritymediumMonths
- 4
- 5
Notes
Tie young shoots to the support to encourage good structure.
6
- Taskpruning
Label
Perform summer pruning
PriorityhighMonths
- 6
- 7
Notes
Shorten long shoots to promote fruit development and better light exposure.
- Taskwatering
Label
Water regularly
PrioritymediumMonths
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Notes
Ensure adequate water supply, especially during dry periods and fruit development.
7
- Taskpruning
Label
Continue summer pruning
PriorityhighMonths
- 6
- 7
Notes
Shorten long shoots to promote fruit development and better light exposure.
- Taskwatering
Label
Water regularly
PrioritymediumMonths
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Notes
Ensure adequate water supply, especially during dry periods and fruit development.
8
- Taskwatering
Label
Water regularly
PrioritymediumMonths
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
Notes
Ensure adequate water supply, especially during dry periods and fruit development.
- Taskharvest
Label
First harvest (depending on variety)
PrioritylowMonths
- 8
Notes
Some early varieties may ripen in August.
9
- Taskharvest
Label
Main harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 9
- 10
Notes
Most varieties ripen in September and October. Fruits are ripe when they become slightly soft.
- Taskplanting
Label
Plant young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 10
Notes
Planting of young hardy kiwi plants in autumn.
10
- Taskharvest
Label
Complete harvest
PriorityhighMonths
- 9
- 10
Notes
Most varieties ripen in September and October. Fruits are ripe when they become slightly soft.
- Taskplanting
Label
Plant young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 9
- 10
Notes
Planting of young hardy kiwi plants in autumn.
11
- Taskwinter_protection
Label
Winter protection for young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 11
- 12
Notes
Young hardy kiwi plants can benefit from protection with mulch or fleece during severe frosts in their first few years.
12
- Taskwinter_protection
Label
Winter protection for young plants
PrioritymediumMonths
- 11
- 12
Notes
Young hardy kiwi plants can benefit from protection with mulch or fleece during severe frosts in their first few years.
Cultivation specs
Seed
Spacing
Spacing notes
Hardy kiwis are vigorous climbing plants and require ample space and sturdy support.
Growth dimensions
Final size notes
Very vigorous climbing plant that can quickly overgrow without regular pruning.
Temperature
Temperature notes
Winter hardy down to approx. -25°C. However, young shoots are sensitive to late spring frosts, which can reduce yield.
Water
Critical water phases
- flowering
- fruit set
- fruit development
Water notes
Consistent soil moisture is crucial, especially during growth and fruiting. Avoid waterlogging at all costs.
Nutrition
Nutrition notes
Requires good nutrient supply, especially in spring. An annual application of compost and a balanced organic fertilizer is recommended.
Container
Container notes
Only suitable for very large containers and with regular pruning. Requires sturdy support.
Support
Support types
- trellis
- espalier
- post_and_wire
- arch
Support notes
Hardy kiwis are vigorous climbing vines and require extremely sturdy and tall support (e.g., pergola, trellis, wire frame).
Cultivation modes
Yield density
Yield notes
Yield is high once the plant is established. Most varieties are dioecious, meaning both male and female plants are needed for fruit production, unless self-fertile varieties are chosen.
Site
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Wind exposure
Sheltered
Aspect
South or west-facing preferred
Slope
No special requirements, good drainage important
Location notes
A warm, sheltered location is ideal for good fruit development. Avoid areas prone to late frosts.
Soil
Soil type
Deep, humus-rich, well-drained
Humus content
High
Drainage
Good
Soil notes
Prefers nutrient-rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Waterlogging must be avoided.
Watering
Watering frequency notes
Water regularly and sufficiently, especially during dry periods and fruit development. The soil should never completely dry out.
Watering method notes
Water deeply to reach the roots. Drip irrigation or a watering ring are ideal.
Water notes
A layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Nutrition
Fertilizer type notes
Organic complete fertilizer, compost, horn meal. Potassium-rich fertilizers promote fruit development.
Fertilizer frequency notes
Annually in spring before bud break. If necessary, a second application after flowering.
Nutrition notes
Hardy kiwis are heavy feeders and require a regular and balanced nutrient supply for good yields.
Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Bed planning notes
Requires a permanent location with sturdy support. Plan for ample space for growth.
Problems
Common
- late frost damage
- missing pollinator cultivar
- drought stress
Diagnosis
Check water, site, nutrition, and pest pressure first.
Problem management
Common pest groups
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Birds
Common disease groups
- Fungal diseases (e.g., powdery mildew, leaf spot)
- Root rot
Prevention principles
- Choose a suitable, sheltered location with well-drained soil.
- Ensure adequate air circulation through regular and correct pruning.
- Maintain consistent watering and avoid waterlogging.
- Mulch the root area to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Inspect plants regularly for early signs of pests or diseases.
- Promote beneficial insects in the garden.
Diagnosis notes
Observe changes in leaves, shoots, and fruits. Check the underside of leaves for pests and fungal infections. Look for stunted growth or discolorations.
Disease graph
Profiles
- Sluglate_frost_damageSeveritymedium
Conditions
- Late frosts in spring after bud break
Affected parts
- Young shoots
- Flowers
- Fruit set
Prevention
- Site selection (frost-free locations)
- Protect with fleece during frost risk
Organic control
- Remove affected shoots
- SlugaphidsSeveritylow
Conditions
- Warm, dry conditions
- Young, succulent shoots
Affected parts
- Young leaves
- Shoot tips
Prevention
- Promote beneficial insects
- Regular inspection
Organic control
- Rinse with strong water jet
- Neem oil
- Soapy water solution
- Slugpowdery_mildewSeveritylow
Conditions
- High humidity
- Poor air circulation
- Temperature fluctuations
Affected parts
- Leaves
- Shoots
Prevention
- Adequate plant spacing
- Regular pruning for ventilation
- Resistant varieties
Organic control
- Remove affected leaves
- Sulfur preparations
- Baking soda solution
- Slugroot_rotSeverityhigh
Conditions
- Waterlogging
- Poor drainage
- Heavy soils
Affected parts
- Roots
- Stem base
- Entire plant
Prevention
- Site with good drainage
- Soil improvement with sand/compost
- Avoid waterlogging
Organic control
- Replant (if caught early)
- Aerating the soil
- Slugiron_chlorosisSeveritymedium
Conditions
- High soil pH
- Calcareous soils
Affected parts
- Young leaves
Prevention
- Check and adjust soil pH if necessary
- Use acidic mulching materials
Organic control
- Iron chelates (organically approved)
- Foliar feeding with iron
- Sluglack_of_fruitSeverityhigh
Conditions
- Missing male plant (for dioecious varieties)
- Poor pollination
- Late frost damage to flowers
- Incorrect pruning
Affected parts
- Flowers
- Fruits
Prevention
- Plant male and female plants (1 male per 5-8 females)
- Attract pollinators
- Late frost protection
- Correct fruiting wood pruning
Organic control
- Manual pollination (if possible)
- Correct pruning
Diagnostic rules
Symptom
Yellow leaves with green veins, especially on young shoots
Possible causes
- iron_chlorosis
First checks
- Check soil pH
- Check soil for waterlogging
Symptom
White, powdery coating on leaves and shoots
Possible causes
- powdery_mildew
First checks
- Check air circulation
- Check plant spacing
Symptom
Wilting, stunted plant despite adequate watering, yellowish leaves
Possible causes
- root_rot
First checks
- Check soil for waterlogging
- Improve drainage
Symptom
Curled, sticky leaves, small insects on shoot tips
Possible causes
- aphids
First checks
- Check underside of leaves
- Promote beneficial insects
Symptom
Browned, shriveled young shoots and flowers after a cold spell
Possible causes
- late_frost_damage
First checks
- Check weather forecast
- Assess site for late frost risk
Symptom
Plant flowers, but little to no fruit develops
Possible causes
- lack_of_fruit
First checks
- Check plant sex (male/female)
- Check pollination
- Check pruning technique
Prevention strategy
Cultural
- Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained, humus-rich soil.
- Provide sturdy support and train shoots regularly.
- Perform annual winter pruning and summer pruning for ventilation and fruit wood promotion.
- Mulch the root area to regulate soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Ensure balanced nutrient supply, especially in spring.
Monitoring
- Inspect plants weekly for signs of pests or diseases.
- Pay special attention to young shoots and the underside of leaves.
- Observe the development of flowers and fruits.
Organic first response
- For pest infestation: Rinse with water, introduce beneficial insects (e.g., ladybugs for aphids), use neem oil or soapy water solution.
- For fungal infection: Remove affected plant parts, improve air circulation, apply organic fungicides (e.g., sulfur-based).
- For nutrient deficiency: Conduct soil analysis, apply organic fertilizer or compost, adjust pH.
Notes
A healthy, well-maintained hardy kiwi plant is more resistant to diseases and pests.
Phenology
Stages
- Bud break (spring)
- Flowering (May-June)
- Fruit set (June)
- Fruit development (summer)
- Fruit ripening (September-October)
- Leaf fall (autumn)
- Winter dormancy
Notes
Hardy kiwi is a perennial, deciduous climbing plant. Fruit ripening occurs in late summer to autumn, depending on the variety and climate.
Flowering pollination
Flowering period
May to June
Flower description
Small, inconspicuous, usually white to cream-colored flowers, often fragrant. Male flowers have many stamens, female flowers have a distinct pistil with stigmas.
Notes
Most hardy kiwi varieties are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female plants. For fruit production, at least one male plant is required for every 5-8 female plants. There are also some self-fertile varieties (e.g., 'Issai'), but they often benefit from an additional male plant.
Harvest
Harvest notes
Harvest time extends from September to October, depending on the variety and location. The fruits do not all ripen simultaneously, so multiple harvests over several weeks are necessary.
Harvest details
Harvest frequency
Several times a week over a period of 2-4 weeks, as fruits ripen progressively.
Harvest indicators
- Fruits become soft when gently squeezed
- Slight color change (often darker or reddish)
- Detaching easily from the stem
- Sweet fragrance
Post harvest handling
Hardy kiwis can either be harvested ripe from the vine or picked unripe and ripened at room temperature. Unripe fruits ripen faster when stored with apples or bananas (ethylene production).
Storage
Storage duration
Ripe fruits: 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator; Unripe fruits: 4-8 weeks in the refrigerator, then 3-7 days at room temperature to ripen.
Storage conditions
Cool and humid (refrigerator) for unripe fruits. Ripe fruits should be consumed or processed quickly.
Storage notes
Storage life depends heavily on the ripeness at harvest. Unripe fruits can be stored significantly longer.
Storage details
General storage category
Cool and humid
Storage life
Ripe: short (days to 1-2 weeks); Unripe: medium (weeks)
Processing options
- Freezing (whole or pureed)
- Jam/Jelly
- Juice
- Drying (rare)
- Preserving in alcohol
Processing use
Primary uses
- Fresh consumption
- Jam
- Jelly
- Juice
Secondary uses
- Smoothies
- Desserts
- Fruit salads
- Cake topping
Processing notes
The small fruits do not need to be peeled, which makes processing very easy. They can be used whole or halved.
Kitchen usage
Culinary uses
- Fresh as a snack
- In fruit salads
- As a topping for yogurt, muesli, or desserts
- In smoothies and juices
- For jams, jellies, and compotes
- As an ingredient in cakes and tarts
Flavor profile
Sweet-tart, aromatic, reminiscent of a mix of kiwi, gooseberry, and fig.
Pairing suggestions
- Yogurt and quark
- Muesli and oatmeal
- Vanilla ice cream and cream
- Other berries
- Mint
- Honey
Preparation notes
The fruits can be eaten with the skin. Wash thoroughly before consumption or processing.
Safety and edibility
Edible parts
- Fruit
Inedible or caution parts
Toxicity notes
No toxic parts of the hardy kiwi are known. In sensitive individuals, mild allergic reactions may rarely occur, similar to those with common kiwi.
Raw consumption
The fruits are excellent for raw consumption.
Seed saving
Method
Extract seeds from ripe fruits, clean, and dry. Require cold stratification.
Difficulty
Medium to high (due to the need for cold stratification and dioecy)
Notes
Since most varieties are dioecious and cross-pollination occurs, varietal purity is not guaranteed when saving seeds, unless specific pollination control measures are taken. Germination can be irregular and protracted.
Seed saving advanced
Seed processing
Wash seeds from ripe fruits, remove pulp, dry on paper towels. Then prepare for cold stratification.
Storage conditions
Dry, cool, and dark in airtight containers after stratification.
Viability testing
Germination test recommended after cold stratification.
Advanced notes
For true-to-type seeds, controlled pollination (e.g., hand-pollination under isolation) or sufficient spatial separation from other hardy kiwi varieties is required. Seeds need cold stratification for 2-3 months at 2-5°C to break dormancy.
Varieties
- Slugissai
Name
Issai
Sexhermaphrodite_self_fertileCharacteristics
Self-fertile, compact growth, smaller fruits, early yield. Still benefits from a male pollinator for optimal yield.
Pollination notes
Self-fertile, but cross-pollination increases yield and fruit size.
- Slugananasnaya
Name
Ananasnaya (Anna)
SexfemaleCharacteristics
Very vigorous, large, aromatic fruits with a red blush. High yield.
Pollination notes
Requires a male pollinator variety (e.g., 'Romeo' or 'Matua') for fruit production.
- Slugweiki
Name
Weiki
SexfemaleCharacteristics
Vigorous, medium-sized fruits with red skin and good aroma. Very hardy.
Pollination notes
Requires a male pollinator variety (e.g., 'Romeo' or 'Matua') for fruit production.
- Slugromeo
Name
Romeo
SexmaleCharacteristics
Male pollinator variety, very vigorous, flowers profusely. No fruits.
Pollination notes
Serves as a pollinator for female hardy kiwi varieties. One male plant can pollinate 5-8 female plants.
Rootstocks
- Slugown_roots
Name
Own roots
TypeseedlingVigorhighNotes
Hardy kiwis are often cultivated on their own roots, as they root well and are vigorous growers.
- Slugactinidia_arguta_seedling
Name
Actinidia arguta seedling
TypeseedlingVigorhighNotes
Seedlings of Actinidia arguta can serve as rootstock, but are rarely necessary in home gardens as plants thrive on their own roots.
Woody crop details
Training systems to research
- Pergola
- Spalier
- T-Bar-System
- Drahtrahmen
Notes
Hardy kiwis are very vigorous climbing plants that require a sturdy and permanent support structure. Most varieties are dioecious, meaning both male and female plants are necessary for fruit production. Fruit yield primarily occurs on 2-3 year old wood.
Ecology
Biodiversity notes
Hardy kiwi flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The fruits are a food source for birds and small mammals.



