Hardy Kiwi Ken's Red (female) - Actinidia arguta

The Hardy Kiwi Ken's Red (Actinidia arguta) is a non-self-fertile variety that produces smooth, red-skinned kiwiberries with slightly purple flesh. It is a female plant that requires the presence of a nearby male plant for pollination. The Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta) is a cousin of the Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa) whose fruits, smaller and sweeter, can be eaten with the skin. It can be trained along a pergola, lattice, or arbour. It is best planted in autumn (or in spring in areas with cold winters) for a harvest around October.

The Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta), also known as Kiwiberry or Baby Kiwi, belongs to the Actinidiaceae family, just like its cousin, the Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa). Native to Asia, it is a vigorous, climbing vine that can reach a height of 5m (16ft). Its foliage is deciduous. The Kiwiberry is very hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). The stems bear large heart-shaped leaves, 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) in length, with fine teeth ending in bristles. In early summer (June-July), fragrant and nectar-rich flowers appear, greenish-white in colour with purple anthers, grouped in threes in the axils of the leaves.

Flowering is followed by the formation of ovoid berries, smaller than kiwis (2 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter), with smooth and thin skin. The taste of the kiwi resembles that of gooseberries. It is sweeter than the usual kiwi and richer in calcium and vitamin C. From the second or third year of planting, the Ken's Red variety will yield small fruits with dark red skin and flesh. Please note that this variety is not self-fertile. This is a female plant, requiring the presence of a nearby male or self-fertile plant such as the Issai Kiwi arguta for pollination. Just like the kiwi, one male plant can pollinate several female plants.

The beauty of the Kiwi, both its foliage and its fragrant flowering, makes it also quite useful as an ornamental climber. It needs to be trained on a sturdy support, such as a wall with strong wires, a trellis, a pergola, a tree trunk, or a fence. This fruit is very popular with children because it can be picked and eaten straight from the garden. The harvest takes place from late September to October. The fruits can be easily stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks after harvesting. Keep them separate from other fruits to prevent them from ripening too quickly. The flavour of the Kiwiberry is well suited for modern cuisine, enhances the aroma of fruit salads, and is suitable for sweet and savoury dishes.