Duo of Female 'Hayward' and Male Pollinator 'Atlas' Kiwi Plants

A duo of kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) plants, with 'Atlas' and 'Hayward' varieties. Atlas' is a male plant that pollinates the 'Hayward' female plant, which then produces large, delicious fruits with green flesh that can be stored. It is ideal to train along a pergola, trellis, or arbour. Planting is best done in autumn or any time of the year when there is no risk of frost, for a harvest around November, starting from the 4th or 5th year.

Actinidia deliciosa, also known as Chinese gooseberry, yang tao, or vegetable mouse, belongs to the Actinidiaceae family, just like its cousin the Kiwai (Actinidia arguta). Originating from China, the kiwi is a vigorous climbing liana that can grow up to 3m (10ft) per year under favourable conditions. This climbing plant needs to be trained on a sturdy support, such as a wall with strong wires, a trellis, an arbour, a tree trunk, or a fence. It can reach a height of 6m (20ft) and a spread of 4m (13ft) and requires pruning to control its growth.

Some varieties are self-fertile (male and female flowers on the same plant) and can be planted alone. Other varieties bear either male flowers (like 'Atlas') or female flowers (like 'Hayward') and require the presence of a plant of the opposite sex for pollination. One male plant can pollinate approximately 5 to 6 female plants. Only female plants produce fruits.

The kiwi is very hardy, able to withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F) but is sensitive to late frosts, as the buds freeze at -5°C (23°F). Its foliage is deciduous. The stems bear large, ovate, entire leaves with a dark matte green colour on the upper side and a lighter shade underneath, covered with small red hairs, just like the stems. From the third or fourth year of cultivation, clusters of fragrant flowers appear in May-June on the previous year's branches. These flowers have broad, cream-white petals. Male flowers have numerous yellow stamens, while female flowers have white stigmas.

On female plants, flowering is followed by the formation of large, fleshy, ovoid berries weighing approximately 60 grams. The skin is light brown and velvety for the Actinidia deliciosa species (or smooth for the Actinidia chinensis species). The flesh is green, sometimes yellow for certain varieties, and contains numerous small black seeds. Kiwi fruits are rich in vitamin C, fibre, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Harvesting takes place around November, before the frosts. The fruits can be picked even if they are still green as they continue to ripen after harvest. They store well in a cool place at 5°C (41°F), such as a cellar, for over a month. Kiwis are ripe when they are soft to the touch. Place kiwis next to apples or bananas to speed up their ripening. Once peeled, kiwis can be enjoyed as is or mixed with other autumn fruits, used in jams, or used to decorate pies and certain savoury dishes.