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Description
Actinidia Arguta, commonly known as the hardy kiwi, is a deciduous vine that is native to Asia. It belongs to the Actinidiaceae family and is known for its sweet and tangy fruits. The vine can grow up to 20 feet in length and has a lifespan of up to 50 years. The fruits of the Actinidia Arguta are smaller than those of the Actinidia Deliciosa, which is also known as the kiwi fruit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Actinidiaceae |
| Genus | Actinidia |
Appearance
The Actinidia Arguta has dark green, heart-shaped leaves that are around 3-5 inches in length. The vine produces white flowers that bloom in early summer and give way to small, green fruits that ripen in late summer. The fruits are smaller than those of the kiwi fruit, and are typically around the size of a grape. They have a smooth, edible skin and a sweet, tangy flavor.
Care Guide
The Actinidia Arguta requires regular watering and fertilization to grow and produce fruit. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and should be planted in a location that receives full sunlight. The vine is hardy to USDA zones 4-8 and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Actinidia Arguta is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including spider mites, scale insects, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the vine healthy and well-watered, and to prune it regularly to promote good air circulation.
Habitat
The Actinidia Arguta is native to Asia and is commonly found growing in the forest understory. It is also cultivated in a number of other countries, including the United States, where it is grown for its edible fruit.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Actinidia Arguta be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Actinidia Arguta can be grown in containers, but it may not produce fruit as well as it would in the ground.
Q: How often should Actinidia Arguta be fertilized?
A: Actinidia Arguta should be fertilized every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the best time of year to prune Actinidia Arguta?
A: Actinidia Arguta should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears.
Q: How can I tell when Actinidia Arguta fruits are ripe?
A: Actinidia Arguta fruits are ripe when they are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet, tangy flavor.
Related Plants
- Actinidia Chinensis
- Actinidia Deliciosa
- Actinidia Kolomikta
- Actinidia Polygama
References
- “Actinidia Arguta.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276009&isprofile=0&basic=actinidia%20arguta. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.
- “Hardy Kiwi.” University of Minnesota Extension, extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-hardy-kiwifruit. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.
- “Actinidia Arguta.” North Carolina State University Extension, content.ces.ncsu.edu/actinidia-arguta-hardy-kiwi. Accessed 5 Mar. 2021.
