Most of the commercially available kiwifruit belong to the Heyward variety, which is bred in New Zealand. It is characterized by its good taste and long shelf life. These and other varieties can also thrive in this country.
Small variety of fruits
Kiwi is a berry fruit of the Chinese radiate pen (Actinidia chinensis). The fruits are about 6-8 cm in size, have an evenly oval shape and a greenish-brown, hairy, quite thin skin. Most kiwis come to us from New Zealand. The Zespri brand is the most common on supermarket fruit aisles.
Two types of fruit are commercially available throughout the year and are very similar in size, color and flavor: Actinidia deliciosa (green-fleshed kiwis) and Actinidia chinensis (golden-fleshed kiwis). If you like it tangy and sour, grab the green kiwi. For those who prefer it sweeter, the gold kiwis are a better choice.
Varieties of plants
Kiwi plants are dioecious climbers with large, hairy leaves and white-yellow flowers. The kiwi shrub is hardy and likes to wrap its long shoots around wires, sticks and other climbing aids. In wind-protected, warm locations, it reaches heights of growth of 10-20 meters. Robust varieties of the creeping exotic can also be successfully cultivated under Central European conditions.
Large-fruited varieties
Good yields can be achieved with the standard Heyward variety in wine-growing regions and areas with mild winters. Other more or less frost-resistant varieties are also available from specialist retailers, with a distinction being made between male and female types:
- Starella (female),
- Allison (female),
- Solissimo renact (new breed, self-fertile),
- Solo (self-fertile),
- Nostino (male).
mini kiwis
The more frost-resistant mini kiwis (Actinidia arguta or Actinidia kolomikta) are best suited for regions with a harsh climate. These have about 2-4 cm large fruits with a smooth skin that is eaten. In terms of taste, the mini kiwis are not inferior to the larger ones. In addition, the red or purple colored fruits and leaves offer a colorful sight in the garden.
- Weiki or Bayern-Kiwi (male or female),
- Ken's Red (female),
- Milano (male).
tips and tricks
If you do not have enough space for several kiwi plants, you can still harvest kiwis in your own garden thanks to the self-fertile varieties Jenny or Issai.
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