Kiwifruit Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward' (f/f)
ABOUT
The plant is commonly known as the Kiwifruit or Kiwi. It is renowned for its attractive, climbing vines that are vigorous and spreading. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and have a distinctively fresh, green color that can create a lush, vibrant appearance. They may also display a slightly hairy texture, contributing to the plant’s unique look. During the flowering period, the Kiwifruit produces fragrant, white flowers that eventually develop into the well-known, brown-fuzzy-skinned fruit with bright green, juicy flesh dotted with tiny, edible black seeds. The fruit is what this plant is most commonly known for, typically oval in shape and offers a sweet, slightly tangy flavor that is refreshing and delightful to many. The Kiwifruit is dioecious, which means there are separate male and female plants, but the 'Hayward' variety specifically refers to a female plant, which is the one that produces the fruit. This plant is often grown on trellises or trained on supports, due to its climbing nature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Actinidiaceae.
Synonyms
Kiwi, Kiwifruit, Chinese Gooseberry, Yang Tao.
Common names
Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa, Actinidia deliciosa, Actinidia chinensis, Actinidia deliciosa var. deliciosa.
ToxicityTo humans
Kiwifruit, commonly known as kiwi, generally is not toxic to humans and is widely consumed as a nutritious fruit. However, some individuals may have allergic reactions to kiwi, which can range from oral allergy syndrome, skin rashes, to more severe reactions such as anaphylaxis in those who are highly sensitive.
To pets
Kiwifruit is not considered toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats, and they can eat small amounts as an occasional treat. However, the fruit may cause some gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or vomiting, if consumed in large quantities or if the pet has a sensitive stomach. It's always best to introduce new foods to a pet's diet gradually and in moderation.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15-30 feet [4.5-9 meters]
Spread
15-30 feet [4.5-9 meters]
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
7-9
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- High in Vitamin C: Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward', commonly known as Kiwi or Kiwifruit, is a rich source of Vitamin C, which is essential for the immune system, skin health, and many other bodily functions.
- Nutritional Value: Kiwi contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, E, and a high amount of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health.
- Ornamental Value: With its attractive foliage and white flowers, Kiwi serves as an ornamental plant that can enhance the aesthetic of gardens and landscapes.
- Shade Provider: The plant’s vigorous growth allows it to act as a natural shade provider in gardens and outdoor spaces when trained over pergolas or arbors.
- Food Production: Kiwi vines produce delicious fruits that can be consumed fresh or used in various culinary dishes, providing a sustainable source of home-grown produce.
- Economic Value: Due to the commercial demand for Kiwi fruits, cultivating this plant commercially can generate income for growers and contribute to the local economy.
- Pollination Attraction: The flowers of the Kiwi plant attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of local ecosystems.
- Soil Erosion Control: The extensive root system of Kiwi plants can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks, making them beneficial in certain landscaping situations.
Medical Properties- Rich in Vitamin C: Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward', commonly known as Kiwifruit, contains high levels of Vitamin C which is essential for immune system function, skin health, and collagen formation.
- Dietary Fiber: The fruit provides dietary fiber which can aid in digestion and help maintain a healthy gut.
- Antioxidant properties: Kiwifruit has antioxidant effects due to its vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenol content, which can help in reducing oxidative stress in the body.
- Facilitates Iron Absorption: The high vitamin C content can enhance the absorption of iron from dietary sources, potentially benefiting individuals with anemia or iron deficiencies.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Kiwi Shoe Polish: The kiwi fruit's name has been famously used as a brand of shoe polishes, highlighting its association with New Zealand, even though the kiwi fruit itself isn't an ingredient in the polish.
- Natural Meat Tenderizer: The enzymes found in kiwi can break down proteins, making it an excellent natural tenderizer for meats when used in marinades.
- Jewelry Cleaner: The acidic properties of kiwi juice can be used to clean tarnish from silver and other metals, making it a natural cleaning agent for jewelry.
- Eco-Friendly Dye: The green flesh of kiwi can be used to produce natural colorants for fabric and other materials.
- Fruit Leather: Kiwi can be pureed and dried to make kiwi fruit leather, a healthy snack that preserves the fruit's flavor and nutrients.
- Kiwi Sculptures: The fruit's unique texture and color make it suitable for creating edible sculptures or as part of a decorative fruit platter.
- Bird Feeder: The empty kiwi skins can be filled with birdseed and hung on trees to create natural bird feeders.
- Cocktail Garnishes: Thin slices of kiwi can be used as an attractive garnish for cocktails and mocktails, adding a tropical flair.
- Educational Tools: The kiwi's complex structure, with its tiny seeds and fibrous core, can serve as an interesting subject for biology education, especially when studying plant anatomy.
- Non-toxic Paint for Kids: Mashed kiwi fruit can be a fun and safe way for children to experiment with painting, as it is non-toxic and easily washes off.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Kiwi plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Kiwi plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward', commonly known as the Kiwifruit or Chinese Gooseberry, can symbolize growth and abundance due to its vigorous vine growth and high yield of nutritious fruits.
- Exoticness: Native to China and harvested commercial worldwide, the Kiwifruit represents the exotic and the allure of travel and exploration, as it has traveled from its origins to become a staple in fruit markets globally.
- Nourishment and Health: Known for its high vitamin C content and various other nutrients, the Kiwifruit symbolizes physical health and well-being.
- New Beginnings: The Kiwifruit, as a perennial vine that bears fruit annually, can be a symbol for new starts and the regeneration of life, marking periods of personal growth or change.
- Relationship Bonds: The Kiwifruit grows in pairs on the vine, which can symbolize friendship, compatibility, and the strength of personal relationships.
WaterKiwi fruit plants, like the Hayward variety, should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, with the aim of providing about 1 to 2 inches of water which can translate roughly to around 0.6 to 1.2 gallons for an area of 10 square feet. This will vary based on soil type and climate; sandy soils require more frequent watering than clay soils. In hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. During the winter, you can reduce the frequency of watering as the plant's water needs decrease. Always water the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to fungal infections.
LightHayward kiwi fruit plants thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions. They perform best when they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. An ideal spot is a south-facing location that gets ample sunlight but is protected from the harsh afternoon sun in hotter climates which might cause heat stress.
TemperatureKiwi fruit plants like Hayward prefer a temperate climate with winter temperatures not dropping below 10°F and summer temperatures averaging between 75°F and 85°F. They can survive a temperature range from 10°F to 100°F. Ideal growing conditions are reached when temperatures are moderate, as extreme cold or heat can negatively affect the plant's growth and fruit production.
PruningPruning is key for the Hayward kiwi to maintain plant health, encourage fruit production, and facilitate harvest. The best time for structural pruning is during the dormant season, while maintenance and fruit-thinning cuts can be done in the summer. Prune at least once a year to remove dead or overcrowded branches and to train the plant on its support structure.
CleaningAs needed
SoilKiwifruit prefers well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mixture of two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part peat or compost with a slow-release fertilizer works well.
RepottingKiwifruit should be repotted every two to three years or when rootbound, usually during late winter or early spring.
Humidity & MistingKiwifruit thrives best at a humidity level of 50-70%, which closely mimics its native subtropical habitat conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, ample space, and support for climbing Kiwifruit vines.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide sturdy support for vines, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe kiwifruit or Chinese Gooseberry, Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward' (f/f), begins its life cycle with seed germination, where the seedlings emerge after being stratified in cold conditions to break dormancy. The plant then enters a vegetative growth phase, rapidly developing into a vine with heart-shaped leaves, climbing and sprawling with the help of its vigorous tendrils. After a few seasons, typically between 3-5 years, the plant reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage, producing white to creamy flowers which are pollinated by bees and other insects, with this female (f/f) cultivar requiring pollen from a male plant. Following successful pollination, fruits develop, characterized by their fuzzy brown skin and bright green flesh with tiny black seeds, which mature over several months. The fruiting stage peaks in late summer through to fall, when kiwifruits are harvested. Seasonally, the plant will undergo a period of dormancy during the winter months before it reawakens in spring to begin the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter-Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating Kiwifruit, specifically the Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward' variety, is through grafting, which is typically carried out in late winter or early spring before the plant breaks dormancy. A healthy rootstock of A. deliciosa or other compatible species is chosen, and a scion (a cutting taken from a mature 'Hayward' plant) which includes at least one bud is selected. The scion, usually around 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length, is then carefully grafted onto the rootstock using a technique such as whip and tongue or cleft grafting, creating a snug union that allows for the exchange of nutrients and growth. After the grafting procedure, the joined plant is usually tightly wrapped and sealed to maintain moisture and prevent infection, allowing the graft union to heal and the scion to begin growing as part of the rootstock to eventually produce fruit true to the 'Hayward' kiwifruit variety.
