Actinidia arguta Fresh Jumbo

Actinidia arguta 'Fresh Jumbo', also known as Kiwai, is a female cultivar of Siberian kiwi. It is appreciated for the quality of its fruits, which are very fragrant and sweet. The fruits are more distinctive than some red fruit varieties, but smaller in size. The fruit is harvested in September. To obtain fruits, the presence of a male plant such as 'Romeo' is necessary. The kiwai is very cold resistant. It is a cousin of the kiwi, but its smaller and sweeter fruits are consumed with the smooth skin. It is a voluble liana that needs to be trained along a pergola, a trellis, or an arbour. It thrives in the sun, in rich non-calcareous soil.

Actinidia arguta 'Fresh Jumbo', sometimes called summer kiwi, belongs to the Actinidiaceae family, just like its cousin the kiwi (Actinidia chinensis or A. deliciosa). Native to the Far East, it is a vigorous and voluble liana, reaching a height of 5m (16ft). Its foliage is deciduous, falling in autumn and reappearing in spring. The kiwai is very hardy, able to withstand temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). The stems bear large heart-shaped leaves, 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) long, with fine teeth ending in bristles. In early summer (June-July), fragrant and melliferous flowers appear, grouped in threes in the axils of the leaves. They are greenish-white with purple anthers, 

For female plants such as 'Fresh Jumbo', flowering is followed by the formation of ovoid berries, smaller than kiwis (2 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter), with a smooth and thin skin. The taste of the kiwai is reminiscent of gooseberries. It is sweeter than the usual kiwi and richer in calcium and vitamin C. From the second or third year of planting, this variety will give you small fruits with green skin and flesh. Please note that this variety is not self-fertile. This is a female plant that requires the presence of a male plant such as 'Romeo', 'Nostino', or 'Prince Jumbo' in close proximity for pollination. Like the kiwi, one male plant can pollinate multiple female plants.

The beauty of the kiwai, both with its foliage and its fragrant flowering, also makes it perfect for garden decoration. The plant will require training on a sturdy support, such as a wall with strong wires, a trellis, a pergola, a tree trunk, or a fence.

The fruit is very popular with children, as it can be picked and consumed as is in the garden. Harvesting takes place from the end of September to October. The fruits can be easily stored in the refrigerator for about two weeks after harvesting. Keep them separate from other fruits so they don't ripen too quickly. The flavour of the kiwai is well suited for modern cuisine, it enhances the aroma of fruit salads, and lends itself to the creation of sweet-savoury dishes. But above all, it is such a pleasure to enjoy them as they are after picking!