Actinidia arguta Domino

The Actinidia arguta 'Domino' is a female variety of kiwi that requires the presence of a male plant nearby to bear fruit. Its fruits are small, between 2.5 and 3.5 cm long. Their skin is green with a strong purple colour. Their flesh is also green. They can be consumed fresh with their smooth skin or cooked in compote. The harvest takes place from late September to early October. Very hardy and productive, this Siberian kiwi appreciates a sunny and sheltered location with rich, moist, and well-drained soil. Train its branches on support: trellis, pergola, arbour, or stretched wires.

From the Actinidiaceae family, Actinidia arguta, also known as Siberian kiwi, is known for its smooth-skinned fruits, unlike kiwis (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa) with fuzzy skin. Actinidias are ornamental plants with large leaves and white late-spring flowering. The best example is Actinidia kolomikta, which does not produce fruit. The 'Domino' arguta kiwi (female) is a new Polish cultivar producing long voluble branches reaching 5 to 7 m. Its large green leaves are heart-shaped and dentate, measuring 8 to 10 cm long. They do not persist during winter. In June, creamy white fragrant and melliferous flowers appear in the axils of the leaves.

The fruits of the 'Domino' variety resemble large grapes. Each kiwi can weigh an average of 10 to 14 g. Their skin is smooth and thin and does not need to be removed if you eat them fresh. This is very convenient for picnics. They reach maturity between late September and early October. They can be harvested before fully ripening, as they continue to ripen after being picked. They can be stored for one to two weeks after harvesting. Their green flesh is sweet and rich in calcium and vitamin C. They can also be used in fruit salads, compotes, jams, juices, or fruit tarts. Fruiting generally begins 2 to 3 years after planting. The 'Domino' arguta kiwi is not a self-fertile variety. The presence of a male plant like the Weikii arguta kiwi (male) is essential for pollination. One male plant can pollinate 3 to 6 female plants.

This very hardy fruiting climbing plant has many ornamental advantages. It has luxuriant foliage, and its spring flowering is fragrant. This plant needs to be trained on sturdy support, such as wires along a wall, a trellis, an arbour, a pergola, or a fence. To create a trained hedge, plant one plant every 3 m, including a few male plants, to ensure good harvests.