Keith Weller, USDA/ARS
Family
Actinidiaceae
Botanical Name
ACTINIDIA deliciosa
Plant Common Name
Chinese Gooseberry, Fuzzy Kiwi, Kiwi
General Description
Kiwi are vigorous, deciduous, woody vines that are native to China. By fall, they develop brown, fuzzy, edible, egg-shaped fruits. These taste like tangy green grapes and have a green, juicy interior with a ring of small edible black seeds. Fruits are preceded by fragrant ivory to yellow flowers, and long, medium green, heart-shaped leaves cover plants throughout the growing season. Kiwi are dioecious, which means that each gender is found on separate plants, so gardeners need two plants, a male and female, to get fruit. There are several self-fertile varieties like the prolific 'Blake.'
Plant fuzzy kiwi vines in full to partial sun and sites with average, well drained soil. Avoid highly alkaline soils if possible. They will grow well on any trellis or strong fence, sometimes needing to be tied to ensure their growth remains where desired. Prune female plants back during dormancy, leaving five to seven buds on last summer's growth. Flowering and fruiting occurs on this year-old branching. Male plants can be cut back drastically, as their only useful purpose is to produce pollen.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 9
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Fruit
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m (25)
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
China
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Vining/Climbing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
