Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn More. Thank you for supporting our garden community.
Hardy Kiwi: A Guide to Growing
Do you love kiwis? Have you ever considered growing your own? If so, you might be interested in the hardy kiwi, which is a smaller, more cold-tolerant version of the familiar, fuzzy fruit. In this blog post, we’ll cover what hardy kiwi is, how to grow it, and what you will need to know about caring for your hardy kiwi plants. Check out the following links to purchase useful products for cultivating hardy kiwis.
Products
If you want to buy fruit trees for your garden, check out Nature Hills Nursery:
Buy fruit trees from Nature Hills!
![ripe hardy kiwi fruits](https://therealgardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hardy-kiwi-FEATURED2.jpg)
I personally grow the “issai” hardy kiwi variety, as it is self-fertile, meaning that I don’t need a male and female plant.
Hardy Kiwi: A Guide to Growing
In this blog post, you will learn how to grow your own hardy kiwi plants. You will gain an understanding of what the hardy kiwi is and its history, including the kiwis origins in China and its association with New Zealand.
You will discover the ideal climate, soil conditions, and sunlight requirements for successful hardy kiwi growth. Additionally, we will provide information on watering, fertilizing, pollinating, trellising, and harvesting hardy kiwi fruit.
What is a Hardy Kiwi?
The hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) is a fruit-producing vine that is native to China, Japan, and Korea. Despite its diminutive size, this small fruit packs a punch: it’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and has a tart, sweet flavor that’s unlike any other fruit you’ve tasted before. H
ardy kiwi is less well-known than its more famous cousin, the fuzzy kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa), but it’s rapidly gaining popularity in the gardening community because it’s easier to grow and yields fruit more quickly.
Unlike traditional kiwis, hardy kiwis are grape-sized and do not possess the fuzzy skin, meaning they can be eaten in one shot.
The History of Kiwis
Kiwis have a long and storied history. The fruit we now know as the Kiwi grew wild in the high-altitude forests of south-central China and was first brought to the attention of Westerners in the early 1900s by a New Zealand schoolteacher, Isabel Fraser.
The fruit was eventually renamed “kiwi” after the kiwi bird, which is native to New Zealand. The hardy kiwi is native to northeastern Asia and it is extremely hardy, with the ability to survive temperatures as low as -40 degrees.
The Right Climate for the Hardy Kiwi
Hardy kiwi is most commonly grown in Zones 4-8, which includes much of the northeastern United States. But, as mentioned previously, this variety of kiwi fruit is cold-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F, making it a great option for those in colder climates!
Soil Conditions
Hardy kiwi plants thrive in fertile, well-draining soil. Before planting your vines, consider performing a soil test to determine the pH level. The ideal pH range for hardy kiwis is between 6.0 and 6.5. Make sure the soil is well-draining with lots of organic matter worked into it.
Sunlight Conditions
![hardy kiwi fruits on the vine](https://therealgardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hardy-kiwi-IN-POST2.jpg)
Hardy kiwi plants require full sun or partial shade. The plants should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This will help them produce masses of tiny kiwi fruits.
Watering
Hardy kiwi plants require regular watering, especially during the growing season. Aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. An inch of water per week is usually sufficient, but this may vary depending on your soil type and climate.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your hardy kiwi plants in the spring and early summer with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, as over-fertilizing can harm the plants. But generally, organic matter, such as compost or manure, will do much of the fertilizing work.
Pollinating
Hardy kiwi plants are not self-fertile, meaning you need both male and female plants to ensure proper pollination. Males are identified by their flowers, which have pollen-producing stamens but no ovaries. Female vines have both stamens and ovaries.
Plant the male vines at a ratio of 1:4 to ensure that the female vines are adequately pollinated.
However, there is a hardy kiwi cultivar called “Issai” that is self-fertile, meaning it contains both the male and female flower parts on the same plant. The issai hardy kiwi is the cultivar that I grow, as I don’t want to have to worry about pollination.
Trellising
Hardy kiwi vines grow vigorously and require a strong trellis to support their weight. Build a sturdy trellis using pressure-treated lumber or metal posts and wire or nylon cord. Space the vines about eight feet apart and train them to grow along the trellis.
Harvesting
![ripe hardy kiwi fruits](https://therealgardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hardy-kiwi-INSIDE-POST2.jpg)
From planting to harvesting, it should take about 2 to 5 years to receive fruits from your hardy kiwis. Compared to other fruits, this is actually a good number. Harvest your hardy kiwi fruits in late summer or early fall, when they begin to turn slightly soft.
The fruits should be slightly tart but sweet, similar to a grape. Hand-pick the fruit, being careful not to damage the vines or the other fruits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardy kiwis grow very well in Canada, especially in Southern Ontario. The cold temperatures and long daylight hours make Canadian gardens the perfect places to grow hardy kiwis
The flavour profile of the hardy kiwi and fuzzy kiwi is very similar, without the acidity and with more sweetness.
From planting to harvesting mature fruit, your hardy kiwi can take anywhere between 2 and 5 years.
Conclusion
Growing hardy kiwi requires a bit of effort, but the reward is a delicious and unique fruit that is different from anything you can find in the grocery store! With proper care and preparation, your hardy kiwi vines will produce an abundance of fruit for you to enjoy.
Pin this post for later:
![](https://therealgardener.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot-2024-03-12-2.51.51-PM.png)
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Learn More. Thank you for supporting our garden community.
Leave a Reply