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Trade Winds Fruit

see more pictures of the Kiwi

2-4" long, ovaloid, brown skinned, hairy fruit with juicy, bright green, acidic sweet flesh.

Description: Fast-growing vine up to 30ft. Vines needs support and like to twine around trellises.

Hardiness: Kiwi's are fairly hardy and can survive to 10-15F.

Growing Environment: Grow in well drained soil. Fruiting occurs on mature growth (at least a year old), and slows on old wood (over 3 years). Plants are male or female, so cross pollination is necessary for fruit set. For backyard culture, it can be common to grow several vines together in a clump in order to ensure both sexes. Sex can be determined once plants mature and begin flowering. There is no way to differentiate sexes from seeds.

Propagation: By seed. Named varieties are propgated by cuttings.

Kiwi flowers

Uses: Usually eaten fresh, but also used in beverages, desserts, and as a flavoring. The fruits are very high in vitamin C, along with containing vitamins A and E, plus considerable potassium.

Native Range: Southern China.

Kiwi foliage