Arguta Kiwi (Actinidia arguta)

The Arguta Kiwi (Actinidia arguta), also known as Hardy Kiwi, is a vigorous, cold-hardy vine that produces small, smooth-skinned fruits bursting with sweet flavor. Arguta Kiwi can thrive in diverse conditions, contribute to improved soil health, provide erosion control and provide shade in multilayered agroforestry designs.

Our Arguta Kiwis are selected for their high productivity and adaptability to low-input systems. They are perfect for those looking to restore ecosystems while incorporating a perennial fruit crop into their landscapes.

Plant Characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Actinidia arguta
• Size & Shape: A vigorous vine that can grow 20-30 feet long, typically trained on a trellis or arbor.
• Fruit Type: Small, smooth, grape-sized kiwis with sweet, tangy flesh, ripening in late summer to fall.
• Flowering: Small, fragrant white flowers bloom in late spring.
• Ecological Benefits: Dense growth provides excellent ground cover, reduces soil erosion, and enhances water retention; adds organic matter to the soil, improving fertility over time.
• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract pollinators such as bees, and dense foliage offers cover and habitat for small wildlife.

Growing Conditions:

• Sun Requirement: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Water Requirement: Moderate water needs; appreciates consistent moisture but is tolerant of periods of drought once established.
• Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-8.
• Soil Preference: Thrives in well-drained, fertile soils but is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy or loamy soils.

Photo by: Jan Helebrant