The Golden Kiwifruit ( Actinidia chinensis ) is a deciduous climbing vine that produces the Golden Kiwi. As its name suggests the flesh is a golden yellow colour, unlike most other kiwi varieties that generally have bright green flesh. Actinidia chinensis is native to China and is a little bit sweeter than the common green variety, Actinidia deliciosa.
Other common names for the Golden Kiwi are Chinese Gooseberry and Ichang Gooseberry. All kiwifruit varieties are highly nutritious and full of antioxidants, phytonutrients and vitamin C. Eating kiwifruit is said to help with asthma, protect the heart and colon, maintain blood glucose levels, reduce the risk of blood clots and aid with macular degeneration. The leaves of this plant are also edible.
Growth
Actinidia chinensis is a fast growing, climbing vine that can reach lengths of up to 9 metres. Kiwi is best grown over an arbor, up trellis, fences, or walls. It prefers a full sun location (a spot with at least hours of sunlight per day) and will fruit more vigorously in full sun conditions. It is cold hardy to 15°C and can be grown in cooler to subtropical zones. This species may need some pruning and maintenance to keep it neat and under control, however, please note that fruit grows on second year growth, so don’t prune back too hard. Pruning in winter, while the plant is dormant.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Actinidiaceae
CLIMATE:
Cool, Temperate, Sub Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-15°C to 38°C / 5 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining but kept moist.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade, preferring full sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 9 metres (30 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 9 metres (30 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Fast Growing, Deciduous, Climbing, Woody
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Bee Pollinated. Dioecious – both female and male plants are separate. Both sexes of plant are necessary for fruit production. 1 male plant can pollinate up to 8 female plants, if they are within 10 metres of each other. Hand pollination can be done if this is not possible.
MATURITY:
2-3 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-78%
GERMINATION TIME:
8-12 weeks of cold stratification, sprouting post sowing 4-6 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 180
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes. This species is classed as invasive in North Carolina, USA
EDIBLE:
Yes, fruit.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ACTINIDIA CHINENSIS (Golden Kiwi Fruit)
Golden Kiwi Fruit is native to China and commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The Golden Kiwi was the first commercially grown Kiwi Fruit. The most commercially grown today is the common green variety, Actinidia deliciosa.
In the Yangzte River valley, some Kiwi plants have grown to around 200 metres long.
