Hardy Kiwi Bayern (female) - Actinidia arguta

The Bayern Smooth-Skinned Kiwai (Actinidia arguta) is a vigorous variety that is not self-fertile, producing smooth-skinned, green kiwais, slightly tinged with red. The Kiwai or Siberian Kiwi (Actinidia arguta) is a cousin of the kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa) whose fruits, smaller and sweeter, are consumed with the skin. This is a female plant that requires the presence of a male plant nearby for pollination. It can be trained along a pergola, trellis, or arbour. Plant preferably in autumn (or in spring in regions with cold winters) for a harvest around October. The Weikii arguta kiwai will be a good pollinator.

The Kiwai (Actinidia arguta), also known as Siberian Kiwi or Hardy Kiwi, belongs to the Actinidiaceae family, just like its cousin the Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa). Native to Asia, it is a vigorous liana that can reach a height of 5m (16ft). Its foliage is deciduous. The Kiwai is very hardy, able to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). The stems bear large heart-shaped leaves, 8-10cm (3-4in) long, with fine teeth ending in bristles. In early summer (June-July), fragrant and nectar-rich flowers appear, whitish-green in colour with purple anthers, grouped in threes in the axils of the leaves.

Flowering is followed by the formation of ovoid berries, smaller than kiwis (2-4cm (1-2in) in diameter), with smooth and thin skin. The taste of the kiwai resembles that of the gooseberry. It is sweeter than the usual kiwi and richer in calcium and vitamin C. From the second or third year of planting, the Bayern variety will yield small fruits with smooth, green skin, slightly tinged with red. Please note that this variety is not self-fertile. This is a female plant, requiring the presence of a male plant nearby for pollination. Like the kiwi, one male plant can pollinate several female plants.

The beauty of the Kiwai, both in terms of its foliage and its fragrant flowering, makes it also a useful ornamental. It is necessary to train this plant on a sturdy support, such as a wall with strong wires, a trellis, pergola, tree trunk, or fence. This fruit is very popular with children because it can be picked and consumed straight from the garden. Harvesting takes place from late September to October. The fruits can be easily stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks after harvest. Keep them separate from other fruits to prevent them from ripening too quickly. The flavour of the kiwai is well-suited for modern cuisine, enhances the fragrance of fruit salads, and lends itself to the creation of sweet-savoury dishes.