Kiwi Plant Hayward (female) - Actinidia deliciosa

The Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) Hayward (female) is a productive variety, producing large, tasty fruits with green flesh that store well. This is a female plant, requiring the proximity of a male plant for pollination. It can be trained along a pergola, trellis, or arbor. Ideally planted in autumn or all year round, frost-free, for a harvest around November, starting in the 4th or 5th year. The male kiwi 'Atlas' will be a good pollinator.

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

Some varieties are self-fertile (male and female flowers on the same plant) and can be planted alone. Other varieties have either male or female flowers and require the presence of a plant of the opposite sex for pollination. One male plant can pollinate around 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, and entire leaves, dark matte green on the upper side and lighter underneath, covered with small red hairs, just like the stems. In May-June, from the third or fourth year of cultivation, clusters of fragrant flowers appear 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, the flowering is followed by the formation of large, fleshy, ovoid berries, weighing approximately 60 grams. The thin skin is light brown and villous for the Actinidia delociosa species or smooth for the Actinidia chinensis species. The flesh is green, sometimes yellow for certain varieties, and contains numerous small black seeds. Kiwi is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Harvesting takes place around November, before the frost. The fruits can be picked even when they are still green as they continue to ripen after harvest. They keep well at a cool temperature of 5°C (41°F), in a cellar, for over a month. Kiwi is ripe when it is soft to the touch. Place kiwis next to apples or bananas to speed up their ripening. Once peeled, kiwi can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other autumn fruits, used in jams, or used as a garnish for pies and certain savory dishes.