The standard green kiwifruit, a vigorous deciduous vine bearing fuzzy brown fruit with sweet-tart emerald flesh. Female and needs a male vine such as Tomuri nearby for pollination, plus a strong pergola or trellis.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 5 m H × 4 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Kiwifruit
Botanically, Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward' is a fast-growing climber in the Actinidiaceae family. It reaches around 5 m tall and 4 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Cream green and white flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Kiwifruit does best in free-draining and acidic soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Kiwifruit is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Kiwifruit after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Kiwifruit in the garden
Kiwifruit earns its place for edible harvests and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Kiwifruit with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Kiwifruit
Plant Sale lists Kiwifruit as bare-root stock, advanced specimens and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.