Kiwi
€14.95
Fuzzy Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) is a vigorous deciduous climbing fruit vine that can reach 6–10 m or more when given strong support. It produces large, heart-shaped green leaves, fragrant creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer, and, on female plants, the familiar brown, fuzzy-skinned kiwi fruits with sweet, tangy green flesh rich in vitamin C. The fruits can be eaten fresh or used in fruit salads, smoothies, desserts, jams, chutneys, sorbets, and baking. Fuzzy Kiwi is best suited to more experienced gardeners in Ireland, providing lush ornamental growth, edible fruit potential, and productive vertical structure for greenhouses, polytunnels, conservatories, sunny courtyards, and very sheltered permaculture plantings.
Fuzzy Kiwi thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It is not reliably cold hardy in Ireland’s cool temperate climate and needs a warm, sheltered position with protection from hard frost, cold winds, and late spring frosts, with best results under cover or against a warm south-facing wall in a very mild site. Most Fuzzy Kiwi varieties require both male and female plants for fruit production, unless growing a self-fertile cultivar. Its vigorous climbing habit, nutritious fruit, and tropical-looking foliage make it an exciting choice for protected edible landscapes and adventurous cool-temperate growers.
Quantity
Only 2 left in stock
Growing Instructions
Plant in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost or well-rotted organic matter. Choose the warmest, most sheltered position available, ideally in a greenhouse, polytunnel, conservatory, or against a south-facing wall, and provide a strong trellis, pergola, fence, or wire support, as mature vines become large and heavy. Water regularly during dry spells, especially while establishing young plants and during fruit development, and apply a mulch of compost, leaf mould, or woodchip each spring to retain moisture, feed the soil, and protect the roots.
Protect young plants from frost, cold winds, and winter waterlogging, particularly during their first few years. Train young vines onto their support and prune in winter to remove dead, damaged, overcrowded, or unproductive growth, then lightly summer prune vigorous shoots to improve airflow and help fruit ripen. Ensure a suitable male pollinator is nearby for female plants unless growing a self-fertile variety. Its edible vitamin-rich fruit, lush climbing growth, ornamental foliage, and warm-climate character make it perfect for greenhouses, polytunnels, sheltered courtyards, conservatories, sunny walls, and permaculture systems exploring protected perennial fruit production.
