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

The Hayward Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward') is a female variety: it produces fruit, but it cannot self-pollinate. To obtain a harvest, it is essential to plant a male pollinator kiwi nearby, within a radius of 5 to 10 meters. A single male plant can pollinate up to 8 female plants. The male varieties commonly used are 'Tomuri' or 'Matua', whose flowering must coincide with that of Hayward (May-June). This lot of 2 Hayward female plants is therefore perfect for forming the core of a climbing orchard, to be completed with a male pollinator.

The best time to plant the Hayward Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) in the ground is in the spring, from April to May, when the risk of late frost has passed and the soil is beginning to warm. It can also be planted in autumn, from September to November, in regions with mild winters, allowing it to establish a good root system before the first frosts. Avoid planting during frost or in the middle of a heatwave. Regardless of the season chosen, water thoroughly at the time of planting, then regularly for the first 6 months. The support structure should be installed before or at the same time as the plant.

The Hayward kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) requires full sun to grow vigorously and produce sweet fruit: allow at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A south- or southwest-facing wall is ideal, as it retains heat and speeds up fruit ripening. As for the soil, the kiwi prefers a fresh, deep, slightly acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.5) and humus-rich substrate, similar to that of a rhododendron. It tolerates neither pure lime nor waterlogged soils. Adding compost and mulching around the base is highly recommended.

The Hayward kiwi is a hardy variety, capable of withstanding temperatures down to -15 °C once well established and mature. It can therefore be grown in the ground in almost all regions of France, including in the north and at moderate altitudes. The main concern is late spring frosts (April-May), which can destroy tender young shoots that have just budded. In case of risk, a frost cover thrown over the vegetation is generally enough to protect it.

The Hayward Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) is a vigorous vine that requires a little patience before the first significant harvests. Generally, allow 3 to 5 years after planting to see the first fruits appear, giving the vine time to establish its framework and for enough fruiting shoots (brachyblasts) to develop. Growth is rapid each season: the plant can extend its stems by 1 to 2 meters per year under good conditions.

Hayward kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) pruning is done in two distinct stages. In winter (January–February), when the plant is dormant, lateral shoots are shortened to two or three buds above the last fruit from the previous year, and dead or tangled wood is removed. In summer (July), green pruning is carried out to remove non-productive shoots, open up the foliage, and allow sunlight to reach the developing fruit.

Yes, the Hayward kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) can be grown in a large container or pot on a sunny terrace, provided you follow a few guidelines. Choose a container ofat least 50 litres, filled with a rich, slightly acidic, well-draining potting mix. Install a sturdy support (trellis, tensioned cables), as the vine grows vigorously. Watering should be more frequent than when planted in the ground, and regular fertilisation with a fertiliser for fruit plants is necessary throughout the growing season.