Kiwi 'Ken's Red' (Actinidia) - climbing fruit plant - 15 cm pot - Height 50 cm - Pack of 2

Actinidia deliciosa 'Ken's Red' is a female variety that produces fruit more abundantly in the presence of a pollinating male plant. In practice, a male Actinidia plant planted nearby (within a few meters) allows for optimal cross-pollination by insects, especially bees, which are highly attracted to the flowers. Some specimens may produce a few fruits without a pollinator, but the yield remains significantly higher with a male plant available.

Ken's Red' kiwis ' ripen in autumn, generally between October and November depending on the climate and 'exposure. The most reliable sign of ripeness is the reddish-brown skin taking on a darker shade and the fruit yielding slightly under gentle finger pressure. If the kiwis are still firm at the arrival of the first frosts, harvest them and let them ripen at room temperature by placing them in a cool, dark place. The skin of the 'Ken's Red' being edible, you can enjoy the whole fruit after a simple rinse, which pleasantly distinguishes it from classic kiwis on the market.

The kiwi Actinidia deliciosa 'Ken's Red' is a vigorous, fast-growing vine that can reach six to ten metres in length when grown in the ground over several years. It must have a sturdy support from the time it is planted: a robust trellis, a pergola, wires stretched along a wall, or a sufficiently large fence. The structure must be able to support considerable weight, as the foliage is dense and the branches are laden with fruit at harvest time. Plan the structure before planting to avoid disturbing the roots later.

The 'Ken's Red' kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) is hardy and can be grown in the ground in most French regions with mild to moderate winters: the Atlantic coast, the South-West, the South-East, the Loire Valley, and well-exposed areas of the Paris and Normandy regions. In areas with very cold winters (mountains, continental Grand Est), choose a south-facing position against a warm wall or opt for growing in a large container brought under frost-free shelter for winter.

Yes, the 'Ken's Red' kiwi is perfectly suited to container growing on a sunny balcony or terrace, provided you choose a large pot (at least 40 to 60 litres) to allow for satisfactory root development. Use a rich, well-draining, slightly acidic growing medium, and plan for regular watering during the 'summer, as the limited volume of soil dries out faster than 'in the ground. 'fruit fertiliser applied two or three times a season compensates for the limited fertility of the pot. Install a sturdy obelisk or guide the vine along a 'strong balustrade.

The 'Ken's Red' stands out from classic green-fleshed varieties with its creamy-textured pulp and a milder, more complex flavor profile, reminiscent of traditional kiwi with a subtle hint of strawberry. Its reddish-brown skin is thinner than that of commercially available kiwis and is perfectly edible, packed with nutrients and fiber. The fruit is large and oval, with a noticeable richness of flavor that makes it a sought-after ingredient in smoothies, desserts, fruit salads, or for eating on its own.

The 'Ken's Red' kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) blends naturally into a pergola alongside other climbers with complementary flowering seasons, such as a spring-flowering wisteria or Virginia creeper for autumn. Its abundant deciduous foliage creates a very pleasant shaded arbour in summer while letting light through in winter. At the edge of a vegetable garden, it effectively attracts pollinators and benefits neighbouring crops. Pair it with full-sun perennials at the base of the trellis (lavender, sage, gaura) to create a decorative and useful arrangement.