{"title":"Kiwis and kiwiberries — Actinidia","description":"\u003ch2\u003eActinidia — Self-fertile kiwis and kiwaïs for balcony, terrace, and small garden\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActinidia\u003c\/strong\u003e, that is the kiwi (or actinidia in horticultural English), is one of the most productive fruiting vines — a true compact orchard for just one square meter of balcony or terrace. The genus includes about 75 species of woody vines native to the \u003cstrong\u003emountain forests of China\u003c\/strong\u003e, mainly from the Yangzi Jiang valley, where they have grown for millennia. The kiwi as we know it today was only domesticated at the beginning of the 20th century: in 1904, Isabel Fraser, a New Zealand teacher, brought back the first seeds of \u003cem\u003eActinidia deliciosa\u003c\/em\u003e from a trip to China, later cultivated by local nurseries who selected the famous 'Hayward' variety in the 1920s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat sets Actinidia apart from other fruit trees is its \u003cstrong\u003eproductivity relative to its ground footprint\u003c\/strong\u003e: a single plant in a large pot or in the ground can produce several kilos of fruit per season once well established. In terms of decoration, its large dark green heart-shaped leaves and creamy white flowers also make it a particularly attractive climbing plant to dress a trellis or pergola — the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/fruitiers-aromatiques\"\u003efruit and aromatic plants collection\u003c\/a\u003e offers complementary options to create a productive corner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eJenny, Issai, Hayward, Ken's Red: choosing your Actinidia\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe collection brings together the varieties best suited for pot cultivation and home consumption. The \u003cstrong\u003eActinidia deliciosa 'Jenny'\u003c\/strong\u003e is the classic kiwi with large fuzzy brown skin — its main feature is being \u003cstrong\u003eself-fertile\u003c\/strong\u003e: a single plant is enough to produce fruit, whereas traditional varieties require a male and a female plant. It is by far the simplest choice for a balcony or small urban garden. The \u003cstrong\u003eActinidia arguta 'Issai'\u003c\/strong\u003e, known as kiwaï or Siberian kiwi, produces miniature fruits with smooth skin the size of a grape, which can be eaten \u003cem\u003ewithout peeling\u003c\/em\u003e — a practical advantage. Issai is also self-fertile and withstands temperatures down to -30 °C, making it the hardiest option in the catalog. The \u003cstrong\u003e'Hayward'\u003c\/strong\u003e is the commercial female reference variety, to be paired with a male for optimal fruiting and large classic fruits. The \u003cstrong\u003e'Ken's Red'\u003c\/strong\u003e is a kiwaï with particularly tasty \u003cstrong\u003ered flesh\u003c\/strong\u003e, rarer and sought after by fans of original varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePlanting, exposure, and care of kiwis in pots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eActinidia prefers a \u003cstrong\u003esunny but wind-sheltered\u003c\/strong\u003e location, ideally against a south, southeast, or southwest-facing wall that retains heat early in the season. The soil should be \u003cstrong\u003edeep, rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic\u003c\/strong\u003e (pH 6.0-6.5): avoid calcareous soils, which cause characteristic iron chlorosis (yellowing of leaves between veins). In pots, use a large container at least 50 cm in diameter, with a mix of planting soil + ericaceous soil + compost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWatering must be \u003cstrong\u003eregular and generous\u003c\/strong\u003e during the season: kiwi is a plant from a humid climate that does not tolerate prolonged drought — water stress quickly causes leaf drop and compromises production. Mulch generously at the base in spring (bark, flax, dead leaves) to limit evaporation. Pruning, important for fruiting, is done in two stages: winter pruning (February-March) to structure the vine, and summer pruning (July) to pinch fruiting shoots above the fourth fruit. If leaves yellow prematurely, the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/conseils\/feuilles-jaunes-5-causes-et-solutions\"\u003eyellow leaves guide\u003c\/a\u003e helps identify the exact cause — chlorosis, drought, excess water, or disease. The \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/conseils\/quelles-plantes-pour-mon-balcon-le-guide-par-exposition\"\u003eexposure-based selection\u003c\/a\u003e also provides the right plant combinations depending on the balcony or terrace orientation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKiwi on pergola, balcony trellis, or wall base\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of landscaping, Actinidia deserves more than just a garden corner: its vigorous growth and large decorative leaves make it a \u003cstrong\u003eproductive and ornamental climbing plant\u003c\/strong\u003e in its own right. On a \u003cstrong\u003esouth-facing pergola\u003c\/strong\u003e, an Issai trained as an umbrella creates a green roof that shades the terrace in summer while producing its kiwaïs above the table — a scene both aesthetic and functional. On a \u003cstrong\u003ebalcony trellis\u003c\/strong\u003e, a self-fertile Jenny in a large pot covers a wall in two seasons and brings a strong plant presence. In combination, kiwi pairs perfectly with a \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/clematis\"\u003eclematis\u003c\/a\u003e with staggered flowering to extend visual interest, or with a \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/wisteria\"\u003ewisteria\u003c\/a\u003e on a large structural pergola. To better structure outdoor spaces, the selection of \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/balcons-terrasses\"\u003ebalcony and terrace arrangements\u003c\/a\u003e offers a complete overview of pot options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePollination, harvest, and storage of kiwis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGood news for urban gardeners: with \u003cstrong\u003eself-fertile\u003c\/strong\u003e varieties (Jenny, Issai), a single plant is enough to produce fruit — a major simplification compared to traditional varieties that require one male plant for 4 to 5 female plants. The harvest of classic kiwis takes place in October-November, just before the first frosts, when the fruits are still firm but have reached their adult size. Stored in cool conditions (4-5 °C), they keep for several weeks or even months, finishing their ripening at room temperature in a few days. The earlier Issai and Ken's Red kiwaïs are harvested from September. The first harvest usually occurs \u003cstrong\u003e3 to 4 years after planting\u003c\/strong\u003e, the time needed for the vine to establish — patience, then, but for decades of production afterward. To start a new plant well upon arrival, the guide for \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/conseils\/comment-bien-accueillir-une-nouvelle-plante\"\u003ewelcoming a new plant\u003c\/a\u003e details the essential steps in the first weeks to encourage successful rooting.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"actinidia-deliciosa-jenny-13cm-45cm","title":"Actinidia deliciosa 'Jenny' (Organic self-fertile kiwi) — H45 cm | Pot Ø13 cm","description":"\u003csection class=\"product-content verdeia-product\" id=\"actinidia-deliciosa-jenny\"\u003e\n\n\u003cheader class=\"product-intro\"\u003e\n  \u003cp class=\"product-highlights\"\u003e🌿 Certified organic cultivation • 🥝 Self-fertile — only one plant needed • ☀️ Sun \/ Partial shade • ❄️ Hardy down to –15 °C • 🐾 Non-toxic • 📏 H45 cm | Pot Ø13 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp class=\"product-description-lead\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActinidia deliciosa 'Jenny'\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cem\u003eself-fertile kiwi\u003c\/em\u003e, is a vigorous climbing fruit vine native to \u003cstrong\u003eChina\u003c\/strong\u003e, grown using \u003cstrong\u003eorganic farming\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its special feature: it is self-fertile, meaning only one plant is needed to harvest delicious kiwis in October-November, without requiring a second plant. Its large tender green heart-shaped leaves and slightly fragrant white spring flowers also make it a major decorative asset among the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/trepadoras-cubre_suelo\"\u003eoutdoor climbers\u003c\/a\u003e in the catalog.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp class=\"product-description-lead\"\u003eVigorous, hardy down to –15 °C, and suitable for large containers as well as open ground, it is one of the most versatile vines in the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/plantas-frutales-aromaticas\"\u003efruit and aromatic plant collection\u003c\/a\u003e to dress a pergola or trellis while harvesting your own fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/header\u003e\n\n\n\u003csection class=\"product-section\" id=\"exposition-emplacement\" aria-labelledby=\"exposition-title\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2 id=\"exposition-title\"\u003eExposure \u0026 Location\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eActinidia deliciosa 'Jenny'\u003c\/em\u003e is a vigorous vine that can reach several meters and becomes heavy when fruiting — a sturdy support (pergola, trellis, strong wire) is essential from planting. The sunnier the exposure, the more abundant the harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExposure:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun or bright partial shade — minimum 4 to 6 hours of sun per day for good fruiting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupport:\u003c\/strong\u003e pergola, trellis, or strong wire — shoots coil by themselves but require regular training early in the season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e rich, deep, and well-drained — fruit soil enriched with compost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn a pot:\u003c\/strong\u003e large container at least 40 cm deep, well-drained — bring indoors or protect if temperatures drop below –12 °C.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp class=\"micro-tip\"\u003eTrain new shoots on the support as soon as they reach 20 to 30 cm — a poorly guided stem early in the season becomes very difficult to correct once woody.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003csection class=\"product-section\" id=\"arrosage-entretien\" aria-labelledby=\"arrosage-title\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2 id=\"arrosage-title\"\u003eWatering \u0026 Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003eThe 'Jenny' kiwi is undemanding once established but requires special attention during fruiting. In pots, \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/consejos\/prueba-del-dedo-el-metodo-infalible-para-saber-cuando-regar-tus-plantas\"\u003ethe finger test\u003c\/a\u003e remains the most reliable method to gauge watering — the substrate should be slightly moist deep down without ever being waterlogged. Pruning at the end of winter and the first fertilizer application of the season are ideally done in February-March — this is also the time to \u003ca href=\"\/en\/blogs\/consejos\/esquejes-plantas-guia-completo-multiplicacion\"\u003etake cuttings\u003c\/a\u003e from pruned shoots to multiply the plant for free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 to 3 times per week in spring-summer, greatly reduced in winter — never let the substrate become waterlogged in cold periods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e at the end of winter, cut lateral shoots back to 3-4 buds from the main framework to stimulate fruiting and control volume.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizer:\u003c\/strong\u003e rich in potassium from April to August — avoid nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e in October-November, kiwis are harvested firm and ripen at room temperature within a few days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp class=\"micro-tip\"\u003eThe first significant harvest usually comes from the 2nd or 3rd year — in the first seasons, the plant’s energy mainly goes to building the framework.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003csection class=\"product-section\" id=\"associations-deco\" aria-labelledby=\"deco-title\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2 id=\"deco-title\"\u003eDecor Ideas \u0026 Plant Combinations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003eThe large tender green heart-shaped leaves of the kiwi, its white spring flowers, and the decorative fruits that persist into autumn create a generous, rustic atmosphere, perfect for structuring an \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/selva-terraza\"\u003eoutdoor jungle\u003c\/a\u003e or dressing a wall in a \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/jardin-mediterraneo\"\u003eMediterranean garden\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFor a productive pergola with double harvest,\u003c\/strong\u003e pair it with the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/vitis-vinifera-johanniter-vid-de-uva-blanca-d13cm-45cm\"\u003e‘Johanniter’ grapevine\u003c\/a\u003e on the same support — both vines grow together, offering a grape harvest in September followed by kiwis in October, with a very decorative contrast of foliage (palmate vs heart-shaped).\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFor a shaded, productive green wall,\u003c\/strong\u003e the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/lonicera-henryi-madreselva-trepadora-perenne-d15cm-65cm\"\u003eevergreen climbing honeysuckle\u003c\/a\u003e covers the base of the trellis year-round with its semi-evergreen foliage, while the kiwi occupies the upper part and loses its leaves in winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFor a sunny terrace container,\u003c\/strong\u003e combine it with the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/products\/morus-nigra-mulle-morera-negra-ecologica-d13cm-45cm\"\u003e‘Mulle’ black mulberry\u003c\/a\u003e in a separate pot — two distinct sizes (vine vs compact tree), two complementary harvest seasons (July-September for mulberry, October-November for kiwi).\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTo highlight the tender green foliage on a trellis,\u003c\/strong\u003e a \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/macetas-ceramica\"\u003elarge anthracite or slate gray ceramic container\u003c\/a\u003e visually anchors the base of the vine and creates a sharp contrast with the bright green leaves in summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp class=\"micro-tip\"\u003eThe large kiwi leaves create dense, pleasant shade in midsummer — place it on a pergola on the terrace side to naturally enjoy shaded shelter without a protective canopy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003csection class=\"product-section\" id=\"tips\" aria-labelledby=\"tips-title\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2 id=\"tips-title\"\u003eVerdeia Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cul class=\"verdeia-tips\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstall the support before planting:\u003c\/strong\u003e once the vine is developed, fixing a trellis or pergola without damaging roots becomes very difficult — plan a sturdy support from the start, sized for several dozen kilos eventually.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrune short at the end of winter to focus fruiting:\u003c\/strong\u003e kiwis form on short shoots of the year — by cutting lateral shoots back to 3-4 buds from the framework in February, you direct all the plant’s energy toward fruit production rather than foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest firm and let ripen indoors:\u003c\/strong\u003e unlike fruit picked ripe, kiwis harvested firm in October keep for several weeks and ripen gradually at room temperature — a fruit already soft on the tree is often overripe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003csection class=\"product-section\" id=\"caracteristiques\" aria-labelledby=\"caract-title\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2 id=\"caract-title\"\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cul class=\"tech-details\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eActinidia deliciosa\u003c\/em\u003e 'Jenny'\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Self-fertile kiwi\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e China\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions at delivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e H45 cm | Pot Ø13 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 to 5 m long (climbing vine)\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExposure:\u003c\/strong\u003e full sun or bright partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e regular in summer, greatly reduced in winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowering:\u003c\/strong\u003e May-June — slightly fragrant white flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruiting:\u003c\/strong\u003e October-November\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e brown velvety kiwis, sweet green flesh, rich in vitamin C\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e tender green, heart-shaped, deciduous\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e down to –15 °C\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCultivation:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% organic, recyclable pot and label\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eToxicity to animals:\u003c\/strong\u003e non-toxic\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecorative style:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rustic \/ Urban vegetable garden \/ Productive outdoor jungle\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003cp class=\"micro-tip\"\u003eEach plant is unique: photos show an example of its appearance. Fruit production naturally varies depending on exposure and plant age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Everspring","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56237384794377,"sku":"6462","price":28.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0938\/1006\/5673\/files\/actinidia-deliciosa-jenny-kiwi-bio-d13cm-x-h45cm-verdeia-3775456.jpg?v=1769539073"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0938\/1006\/5673\/collections\/kiwis-et-kiwais-actinidia-8700888.png?v=1778360137","url":"https:\/\/verdeia.eu\/en\/collections\/actinidia.oembed","provider":"Verdeia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}