Le kiwi
(actinidia arguta, actinidia kolomikta)
History
Hardy kiwis have a more recent history than their larger cousin (Actinidia deliciosa). Native to the mountainous regions of China, Korea, and Japan, they were discovered and gradually cultivated for their ability to withstand cold climates. During the twentieth century, their cultivation spread to Europe and North America, thanks in particular to their ability to produce quality fruit in regions less favourable to traditional kiwifruit.
Origins
Actinidia arguta and Actinidia kolomikta come from East Asia.
These species are distinguished by their resistance to low temperatures and their ability to adapt to various climatic conditions. While Actinidia arguta (often referred to as « miniature kiwi » or « hardy kiwi ») is mainly grown for its edible fruits, Actinidia kolomikta is also distinguished by its decorative foliage, with varied reflections.
These species are distinguished by their resistance to low temperatures and their ability to adapt to various climatic conditions. While Actinidia arguta (often referred to as « miniature kiwi » or « hardy kiwi ») is mainly grown for its edible fruits, Actinidia kolomikta is also distinguished by its decorative foliage, with varied reflections.
Orchard Management
- Location: Choose a site with good sun exposure (full sun to partial shade), ideally protected from strong winds.
- Soil: Hardy kiwis prefer fertile, deep, well-drained soil. Adding compost during planting will promote good root development.
- Support: These plants are climbing vines that require a support structure (trellis, pergola, or wire mesh) to allow for vertical growth and ease of harvesting.
- Spacing: Provide sufficient spacing to allow for good aeration and avoid crowding, thus promoting plant health and optimal fruiting.
Physiology
- Plant type: These are deciduous vines.
- Growth: Actinidia arguta is generally more vigorous, while Actinidia kolomikta, in addition to producing fruit, offers attractive foliage (often variegated or varied).
- Flowering: Flowers appear in spring (May) as small white clusters, attracting pollinators essential for fruit production.
- Root system: Relatively superficial, it requires irrigation management and good mulching to conserve moisture without excess.
Tree Management
- Training and training: It is essential to prune and guide the twigs on the chosen support in order to obtain an airy and balanced canopy.
- Pollination: Most hardy kiwis are dioecious, meaning they feature both male and female plants. To obtain a good production, you should therefore plan for at least one male plant for every 5 to 7 female plants (some cultivars such as « Issai » are partially self-fertile, however).
- Maintenance pruning: Annual pruning (in winter or early spring) removes dead wood and stimulates the production of new fruit shoots.
- Canopy formation: Good thinning promotes air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.
Quality Fruit
Actinidia arguta produces small fruits (usually 2 to 3 cm in diameter) with a smooth and edible skin, green flesh, very sweet and tangy, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Actinidia kolomikta also offers edible fruits, sometimes a little smaller and with a slightly different flavor, while providing an ornamental dimension thanks to its attractive foliage.
Fruit is eaten fresh, but also lends itself very well to processing (fruit salads, jams, desserts).
Actinidia kolomikta also offers edible fruits, sometimes a little smaller and with a slightly different flavor, while providing an ornamental dimension thanks to its attractive foliage.
Fruit is eaten fresh, but also lends itself very well to processing (fruit salads, jams, desserts).
Plan Protection
- Monitoring: Inspect plants regularly for symptoms of fungal diseases (such as downy mildew or powdery mildew) or pest attacks (aphids, spider mites).
- Preventive treatments: In the event of a light infestation, choose biological treatments (manure, plant extracts) and organic fungicides if necessary.
- Hygiene: Remove dead leaves and damaged fruit to limit sources of infection.
- Aeration: Proper size and spacing promote aeration and reduce humidity, limiting the development of pathogens.
Harvest
- Period: Fruit ripening takes place in autumn, usually between September and October.
- Method: The harvest is done manually in order to preserve the delicacy of the fruit skin.
- Storage: Hardy kiwi fruits can be kept for a few weeks in the fridge. It is recommended to pick them when they are slightly soft to the touch, a sign of optimal ripeness, and then let them ripen at room temperature if desired.
