Kiwi (actinidia)
Actinidia deliciosa
Botanical family: Actinidiaceae
Actinidia deliciosa (the fuzzy-skinned kiwi) and A. arguta (the kiwai, with small smooth fruits eaten without peeling), lianas of East Asia (China, Japan). The kiwi fruit is rich in vitamin C. Sources: Plants For A Future, “Actinidia deliciosa” and “Actinidia arguta”; Tela Botanica, “Actinidia deliciosa (A.Chev.) C.F.Liang & A.R.Ferguson” (Baseflor).
Sun, sheltered from cold winds; tolerates partial shade
Rich, cool, well-drained and rather acid, dreads chalk (chlorosis)
Abundant and regular in summer: a thirsty plant
Kiwi (A. deliciosa) hardy to around -12 to -15 °C; the hardy kiwi (A. arguta) much more resistant (~-25 °C)
Overwinters in your zone
Dioecious: a MALE plant is needed for several FEMALE plants (except self-fertile varieties such as 'Jenny' or 'Solissimo')
Needs a male plant near the female plants
Role in permaculture
A vigorous, long-lived liana, ideal for covering a pergola or a shade structure: dense shade in summer, a harvest of fruit very rich in vitamin C in autumn. A single plant can dress several metres of structure (provide a male and a female plant, or a self-fertile variety, to get fruit), a solid support is essential. Its flowers feed bees and bumblebees.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Fruit picked in autumn, in October and November, before hard frosts, then keeping several weeks.
Available: January, February, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- INAO, « Kiwi de l'Adour » (inao.gouv.fr/produit/kiwi-de-ladour-12252)
- Plants For A Future, « Actinidia deliciosa » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Actinidia+deliciosa)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
A known allergen: kiwi can cause reactions (oral syndrome, sometimes more severe), notably in children and in case of latex allergy. To be introduced cautiously.
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Species
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers sun, sheltered from cold winds; tolerates partial shade exposure.
- • Ideal soil: rich, cool, well-drained and rather acid, dreads chalk (chlorosis).