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Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta)

Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta)

Regular price $24.00 CAD
Regular price Sale price $24.00 CAD
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Local Pickup Available in Harrop, BC

size

Why We Grow It

Hardy Kiwi is a standout plant in food forests and permaculture systems due to its high yields, vertical growth habit, and ability to create microclimates. By climbing existing structures or trees, it conserves ground space for other plants while producing an impressive amount of fruit. Its dense foliage provides habitat for birds and insects, enhancing biodiversity. Hardy Kiwi’s ability to thrive in cold climates and its minimal maintenance needs make it a one of a kind plant.

How the Plant Grows

The plants we get cuttings from are trellised on a sturdy chainlink fence. Hardy Kiwi is a vigorous, fast-growing vine that establishes quickly and spreads prolifically. In spring, it produces lush green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers, which attract pollinators. By late summer to early fall, the flowers develop into clusters of small, smooth-skinned kiwis that ripen after the first frost. The plant climbs readily on fences, trellises, and trees, requiring pruning to manage growth and maximize fruit production.

Plant Size

Size at Maturity- Vertical/Climber layer. Vines can grow up to 50-100 feet long when provided with ample support

Current Size- Female Green Stem Large 10"+ 1 year old rooted cutting field grown
Female Red Stem Large 8"+ 1 year old rooted cutting field grown

Additional Info

Hardy Kiwi, native to parts of East Asia, has been cultivated for centuries for its sweet, nutrient-rich fruit. Unlike its larger cousin, Hardy Kiwi’s smooth, hairless skin makes it easy to eat right off the vine. The plant is a favorite for creating natural privacy screens and enriching biodiversity in edge habitats. Its fruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a delicious and healthy snack. In food forests and agroforestry systems, Hardy Kiwi’s prolific yields and vertical growth make it a valuable space-saving crop, ideal for stacking functions and optimizing yields.

Hardy Kiwi is a prolific, cold-hardy relative of the familiar grocery store kiwi, offering abundant, hairless, bite-sized fruits that ripen to perfection after a frost. This vining powerhouse can cover fences, trellises, or arbors for up to 50 feet, producing stunning yields of up to 100 pounds per mature plant. Perfect for food forests and permaculture systems, Hardy Kiwi is a high-yielding vertical element that provides habitat for wildlife while delivering nutrient-dense fruit for homesteaders and food forest enthusiasts alike.

Varieties 

Female Red Stem- We collected cuttings from an old very productive Vine loaded with fruit. The owner didn't know the cultivar but it has red stems and delicious fruit. 

Female Green Stem- This is a different kind of Hardy Kiwi with all green stems.

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  • Water

    Moderate; requires consistent moisture during establishment and fruiting seasons but tolerates brief dry spells once mature.

  • Pollination

    Dioecious; requires both male and female plants for fruit production.

  • Soil

    Thrives in well-drained loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.0-7.0).

  • Years to Bear

    Begins producing fruit in 2-3 years after planting.

  • Hardiness

    Zone 4, tolerating temperatures as low as -35°C

  • Solar

    Prefers full sun for optimal production but can tolerate partial shade