Actinidia arguta Pink Jumbo

Actinidia arguta 'Pink Jumbo' is a female variety of kiwai or Siberian kiwi 'Pink Jumbo', which is distinguished by its fruits with atypical colours: red on the outside, green on the inside. This pretty colour comes from hybridisation with A. purpurea. The elongated fruits have smooth, thin skin. They boast an exotic flavour, which is pleasantly sweet and fruity with a slight acidity. They can be enjoyed raw, with the skin, like grapes. This energising and refreshing fruit is about the size of a large grape. It is particularly rich in vitamin C. Ideally, plant in autumn. Harvest in September from the 2nd or 3rd year.

'Pink Jumbo' produces a high yield. It ripens around mid-September and the harvests continue until mid-October. It is a female plant that requires the presence of a male plant nearby, for example the variety ‘Prince Jumbo' or 'Nostino' which will enable pollination. In addition to its fruit qualities, this voluble plant bears beautiful, heart-shaped, shiny green foliage. It can adorn a pergola, trellis, or arbour.

The category of kiwis includes the ornamental kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta), kiwi (A. chinensis or A. deliciosa) with its fuzzy skin, and kiwai (A. arguta) with its smooth skin. Kiwai is also known as Siberian kiwi, mini-kiwi, or summer kiwi. All three belong to the Actinidiaceae family. Kiwai is native to Asia and produces long, voluble branches that can reach 4 to 6m (13 to 20ft) in length. It is hardy down to -20°C (-4°F). The branches bear 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) long, heart-shaped, green leaves. Its foliage is deciduous. In June-July, fragrant and melliferous flowers appear in the axils of the leaves. They are cream-white with purple anthers, grouped in threes.

The elongated fruits of 'Pink Jumbo' measure 2.5 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter and 5 to 6cm (2in) in length, with smooth and thin skin. They ripen in September-October. Fruiting begins 2 to 3 years after planting. One male plant can fertilise 4 to 5 female plants. Each plant can produce up to 40 to 50kg of fruit in a harvest. The fruits can be eaten fresh, straight off the branch. The green flesh is sweet, fragrant, and slightly acidic. It has an exotic taste and can be eaten whole, with the skin. The fruits are rich in calcium and vitamin C. They can be stored in a refrigerator for one to two weeks after harvest. They can be enjoyed in tarts, fruit salads, dairy desserts, jams, jellies, compotes, fruit juices, and cocktails. As a sweet vegetable, it can accompany white meat dishes (poultry, veal, pork).

Kiwai is excellent for bearing fruit, but its luxuriant foliage, fragrant flowering, and generous branches make it ideal for ornamenting the garden. This plant needs to be trained on a sturdy support such as wires stretched on a frame, trellis, pergola, or fence. It prefers light, moist, non-calcareous soil, and a sunny exposure.