Kiwi Plant Jenny (self-fertile) - Actinidia deliciosa

The Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) Jenny is a self-fertile variety, producing small fruits with green flesh. Male and female flowers are present on the same plant, so it is not necessary to install another plant nearby. It can be trained along a pergola, trellis, or arbor. Ideally planted in autumn or any time of the year without frost, for a harvest around November, starting from the 4^th or 5^th year.

The Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or deliciosa), also called Chinese gooseberry, yang tao, or vegetable mouse, is the fruit of the Actinidia. It belongs to the family Actinidiaceae, just like its cousin Kiwi (Actinidia arguta). Originating from China, the kiwi is a vigorous climbing liana, capable of growing 3m (10ft) per year under favorable conditions. This climbing plant should be trained on a solid 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 width 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 or female flowers 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 but is sensitive to late frosts, as the buds freeze at -5°C. Its foliage is deciduous. The stems bear large, smooth, ovate leaves, dark matte green on top and lighter 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 are large-petaled, creamy-white flowers. 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 Actinidia deliciosa species or smooth for 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. The harvest takes place around November, before the frosts. The fruits can be picked even when they are still green as they continue to ripen after harvest. They can be stored well at a cool temperature of 5°C, 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, made into jams, or used to decorate pies and certain savory dishes.