Kiwi 'Golden' (Actinidia) - climbing fruit tree - 15 cm pot - Height 50 cm - Set of 2

Yes, Actinidia deliciosa is a dioecious plant: male and female flowers grow on separate plants. This set contains 2 female plants that produce fruit; therefore, it is essential to plant at least one compatible male plant nearby (within a maximum radius of 10 m) to ensure pollination. One male plant can fertilize up to 8 female plants. Without a male pollinator nearby or in your garden, the flowers will drop without producing fruit. Be sure to complete your planting with a male Actinidia deliciosa plant to enjoy a full harvest.

Golden kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) are generally harvested in October or November, before the first severe frosts. The fruit is ripe at harvest when the flesh, tested with a refractometer or simply by touch, gives slightly under finger pressure. Unlike classic green kiwis, the Golden's golden skin is thinner and can be eaten directly. After picking, leave the fruit at room temperature for a few days to complete its ripening and develop its full sweetness. Refrigeration allows consumption to be spread over several weeks.

The Golden Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) absolutely requires a sunny position, preferably south or southwest-facing, to ensure abundant fruiting and sweet fruit. It benefits from the reflected heat of a wall, fence, or pergola. Avoid hollows or sites exposed to late spring frosts, which can destroy flower buds as they break. Deep, cool, well-drained soil promotes the rapid growth of this vigorous climber. In a patio pot, choose a large container (at least 60 cm in diameter) with sturdy support, and water more frequently than when planted in the ground.

TheActinidia deliciosa, which includes the Golden Kiwi, is a hardy plant that tolerates cold winters once properly established and rooted. It generally withstands temperatures in the range of -12 to -15 °C during its dormant period. The main concern is not winter but late spring frosts: young shoots and flower buds that emerge in March-April are sensitive to sudden frosts below -2 °C.

Pruning of the Golden Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) is mainly carried out in winter, from December to February, during dormancy, to prevent sap bleeding. Two operations are distinguished: structural pruning, which consists of selecting and orienting the main branches on the support, and fruiting pruning, which shortens the lateral shoots to 2 or 3 buds above the last fruit borne. A second summer pruning, carried out in June-July, allows for pinching the most vigorous shoots in order to balance the plant and improve sunlight exposure to the fruit.

The Golden Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) prefers cool, deep, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with an ideal pH between 5.5 and 7. It cannot tolerate alkaline or waterlogged soils, which cause chlorosis and root rot. Generously enrich the planting hole with compost or potting soil, and apply an organic mulch on the surface to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In clay soil, improve drainage by adding coarse sand or perlite to the mixture.

To get the best out of this set of 2 Golden Kiwi female plants (Actinidia deliciosa), space them at least 3 to 4 m apart to allow them to grow without competing. Choose a sunny location, install a sturdy support (trellis, pergola, tension wires) before or at the time of planting. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the 15 cm pot, incorporate compost into the bottom soil, position the plant without burying the crown, then water abundantly. Repeat watering every 2 to 3 days for the first 3 to 4 weeks.