Organic Kiwi Plant Hayward (female) - Actinidia deliciosa

The Organic Female Hayward Kiwi, derived from Organic Agriculture, is a productive variety of Actinidia deliciosa that produces large, tasty fruits with green flesh that can be well preserved in autumn. This is a female plant that requires the proximity of a male plant for pollination. It can be trained along a pergola, trellis, or arbor. Ideally, it should be planted in autumn or any time of the year without frost, for a harvest around November, starting from the 4^th or 5^th year. The 'Tomuri' Organic male kiwi will be a good pollinator.

The Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa), also known as the Chinese gooseberry, yang tao, or vegetable mouse, is the fruit of the Actinidia plant. It belongs to the Actinidiaceae family, just like its cousin, the Kiwai (Actinidia arguta). Originally from China, the kiwi is a vigorous, climbing vine that can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) per year under favorable conditions. This climbing plant needs to be trained on a sturdy support, such as a wall with strong wires, a trellis, an arbor, a tree trunk, or a fence. It can reach a height of 6 meters (20 feet) and a spread of 4 meters (13 feet), and it requires pruning to control its growth.

Some varieties are self-fertile (with male and female flowers on the same plant) and can be planted alone. Other varieties have either male or female flowers and require the presence of a plant of the opposite sex for pollination. One male plant can pollinate approximately 5 to 6 female plants. Only female plants produce fruits.

The Kiwi is very hardy, able to withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F), but it is sensitive to late frosts as the buds freeze at -5°C (23°F). Its foliage is deciduous. The stems bear large, ovate, entire leaves with a dark matte green color on the upper side and lighter color underneath, covered with small red hairs, just like the stems. From the third or fourth year of cultivation, clusters of fragrant flowers appear in May-June on the previous year's branches. These flowers have broad, white-cream petals. Male flowers have numerous yellow stamens, while female flowers have white stigmas.

On female plants, the flowering is followed by the formation of large, fleshy, oval-shaped berries weighing around 60 grams. The skin is thin and light brown and villous for Actinidia delociosa species or smooth for Actinidia chinensis species. The flesh is green, sometimes yellow in certain varieties, and contains numerous small black seeds. Kiwi is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. The harvest takes place around November, before frost. The fruits can be picked even when still green as they continue to ripen after harvest. They can be stored well at a cool temperature of 5°C (41°F), in a cellar, for over a month. The Kiwi is ripe when it is slightly soft to the touch. Place the kiwis next to apples or bananas to accelerate their ripening. Once peeled, kiwi can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other autumn fruits, used in jams, or used to garnish pies and certain savory dishes.