The commercially available kiwi fruits mostly belong to the Heyward variety, which is bred in New Zealand. It is characterized by its good taste and long shelf life. These and other varieties can also thrive here.
What different types of kiwi are there?
Kiwi varieties differ in taste, size and frost resistance. The most well-known include Actinidia deliciosa (green flesh) and Actinidia chinensis (golden yellow flesh). Large-fruited varieties include Heyward, Starella, Allison, Solissimo renact, Solo and Nostino. More frost-resistant mini kiwis are Weiki, Ken’s Red and Milano.
Small selection of fruit varieties
Kiwi is a berry fruit of the Chinese ray pen (Actinidia chinensis). The fruits are about 6-8 cm large, have a uniform oval shape and a greenish-brown, hairy, quite thin skin. Most Kiwis come to us from New Zealand. The Zespri brand is the most commonly found on the fruit shelves of supermarkets.
Two types of fruits are sold year-round and are very similar in size, color and taste: Actinidia deliciosa (green-fleshed kiwis) and Actinidia chinensis (golden-yellow-fleshed kiwis). If you like it sour and tangy, choose the green kiwi. For those who prefer it sweeter, the gold kiwis are the better choice.
Diversity of plants
Kiwi plants are dioecious climbing plants with large, hairy leaves and white-yellow flowers. The kiwi bush is hardy and likes to wrap its long shoots around wires, poles and other climbing aids. In sheltered, warm locations it reaches heights of 10-20 meters. Robust varieties of the climbing exotic can also be successfully cultivated under Central European conditions.
Large-fruited varieties
In wine-growing regions and areas with mild winters, good yields can be achieved with the standard Heyward variety. Other more or less frost-resistant varieties are also available from specialist retailers, although a distinction is made between male and female species:
- Starella (female),
- Allison (female),
- Solissimo renact (new breeding, self-fertile),
- Solo (self-fertile),
- Nostino (male).
Mini kiwis
The more frost-resistant mini kiwis (Actinidia arguta or Actinidia kolomikta) are ideal for regions with a harsh climate. These have fruits about 2-4 cm in size with a smooth skin that is eaten. In terms of taste, the mini kiwis are not inferior to the larger ones. In addition, the red or purple colored fruits and leaves offer a colorful sight in the garden.
- Weiki or Bavarian kiwi (male or female),
- Ken’s Red (female),
- Milano (male).
Tips & Tricks
If you don't have enough space for several kiwi plants, you can still harvest kiwis in your own garden thanks to the self-fertile varieties Jenny or Issai.
