Kiwi 'Ken's Red' is a heavy-cropping variety that is sweeter than green-fruited cultivars. The fruits are the size of large gooseberries and with their distinctive red skin and aromatic flesh, they both look and taste delicious. They are excellent for short term storage as they remain firm after picking and don’t bruise easily.
Kiwi arguta, also known as the Baby Kiwi or Hardy Kiwi, is ideal for growing in the UK. Fully hardy, they survive temperatures down to -15 to -10C. Hardy Kiwi produce masses of small, smooth, gooseberry-sized fruit that are sweeter than other Kiwis and don’t need to be peeled as they lack the hair-like covering of other Kiwi fruits. Established vines can produce up to 13kg of fruit. They form fast-growing, twining climbers with simple ovate leaves and fragrant, creamy-white flowers in summer. Hardy Kiwis make an attractive feature for a trellis, pergola or wall in a sunny, south-facing position. The oval fruits are ready to harvest in September, packed with Vitamin C and delicious eaten straight from the vine. Height and spread: 3-4m (10-13ft).
Pollination: Female variety (requires a male variety for pollination).
Kiwi 'Ken's Red' is a heavy-cropping variety that is sweeter than green-fruited cultivars. Grow kiwi plants in a sunny position in any fertile, well drained soil. A sheltered position is essential as kiwis are particularly sensitive to adverse weather conditions. Prior to planting, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole. Plant kiwi vines, firm in and water well. Provide the twining stems with an appropriate support wires strung between sturdy posts, to train as an espalier.
