Mini kiwi

Profile

Family

Actinidiaceae

Habit

Climber

Height

17.5 m

Spread

2 m

Growth

very fast

Lifespan

40 years

First yield

after 5 years

Hardiness

zone 4–8

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

semi-dry – very wet

pH

5.5 – 6.5

Synonyms

Mini-Kiwi, Minikiwi, Beerenkiwi, Kiwibeere

Planned in gardens

4×

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Fruit (raw, cooked, dried; juice, wine); 5-12 tons per hectare, 350-800 calories per square meter; tree sap (raw) as a beverage.

Medicinal: Fruit very rich in vitamins (C&E), with 2-6 times more vitamin C than lemon. It aids digestion and boosts the immune system.

Other uses: The wood is very twisted, unusable. It cannot be used for making furniture or other items.

Growing

Prefers a well-draining, neutral loamy soil. Tolerates acidic and moderately alkaline soils. Thrives in semi-shaded locations, but full sun is optimal for fruit formation. Prefers a sheltered position. This plant is highly resilient and can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C or even lower, but young spring growth is susceptible to frost damage. Some varieties are said to tolerate temperatures of up to -50°C when completely dormant. Often cultivated for its edible fruits, this species is increasingly considered promising. There are some named varieties. Plants are typically dioecious, but the 'Issai' variety is self-fertile. It is a polymorphic species. Fruits are formed on two-year-old wood and also on fruiting spurs on older wood; any pruning should be done in winter. Plants only bloom well in warm climates, and the small flowers have a sweet fragrance. This is a climbing plant that supports itself by wrapping around branches. Male and female plants usually need to be grown together if seeds are desired. Plants of this genus are known to be resistant to the honey fungus.

Propagation

Sow seeds in a greenhouse during spring. It's best to stratify the seeds for 3 months. Sow them either in November in a cold frame when ripe or upon arrival. Fresh seeds will germinate in 2-3 months at 10°C, while stored seeds may take longer. Once large enough to handle, prick out seedlings into individual pots and let them grow in semi-shade in the greenhouse during the first winter. When plants reach 30 cm or larger, plant them in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts at their final location. Most seedlings are male and susceptible to damping off, so good ventilation is essential. Cuttings from semi-ripe wood should be taken in July/August in a frame with a very high success rate. Cuttings from ripe wood should be taken in October/November in a frame.

Notable

Special features: One male plant for every 6-8 female plants; Each plant can yield up to 70kg; Fruits develop on second-year wood and fruit spurs on older wood; Pruning is most effective in winter (due to dormant sap flow); Propagation through layering, cuttings, and root cuttings.

Origin & habitat

China, Japan

Riversides and damp woodlands. Found growing on the banks of the Thames at Kew.

Related plants