Kiwi Mariered - Actinidia arguta

The 'Mariered' Kiwi arguta is a variety of Kiwai or Actinidia arguta. Late-flowering, it bears fruit from mid-October. Its small, extremely tasty and melting fruits are red with green flesh. A real treat, with a smooth and thin skin like a grape, they are enjoyed whole. Their juicy, sweet flesh has a mild and tangy flavour. This female variety requires the presence of a male plant nearby for pollination. The climbing branches of Kiwais need support such as trellises, pergolas, arbours, or wires. Recommended planting in autumn or spring for regions with cold winters.

In the Kiwi category, we find the Ornamental Kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta), the Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa) with fuzzy skin, and the Kiwai (Actinidia arguta) with smooth skin, also known as Siberian Kiwi or Summer Kiwi. All three belong to the Actinidiaceae family.

The 'Mariered' Kiwi arguta produces long climbing branches that can reach 4 to 6 metres in length. Very hardy down to -30°C. Deciduous foliage. The branches bear heart-shaped, green leaves measuring 8 to 10 cm in length. In June-July, fragrant and melliferous flowers appear at the axils of the leaves, creamy white in colour with purple anthers, grouped in threes.

The fruits of 'Mariered' measure 2 cm in diameter and 2 to 3 cm in length. They reach maturity in mid-October and can be stored for one to two weeks after harvesting. The green, sweet, and fragrant flesh resembles the taste of strawberries. The fruit is rich in calcium and vitamin C. Fruit production begins 2 to 3 years after planting.

The female Kiwi arguta 'Mariered' is not a self-fertile variety, so it needs a male plant nearby. The Hardy Kiwi Weikii (male) will be an excellent pollinator. Like the Kiwi, one male plant can fertilise 4 to 5 female plants.

In addition to its fruit qualities, the luxuriant foliage, fragrant flowering, and generous branches of the Kiwai provide ornamental use and utility in the garden. This plant needs to be trained on a solid support such as wires on a frame, a trellis, an arbour, or a fence. It prefers a light, fresh, non-limestone soil and a sunny exposure.

The fruits of Kiwi arguta 'Mariered' (female) are harvested in October. It is pleasant to consume and enjoy the fruits in the garden. They can also be stored for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. The production can reach up to 40 to 50 kg per plant. Kiwai can be consumed fresh, with a refreshing and melting flavour, a true delight. It can be enjoyed in pies, fruit salads, dairy desserts, jams, jellies, compotes, fruit juices, and cocktails. As a sweet vegetable, it can tenderly accompany white meat dishes (poultry, veal, pork).