Mini Fruit Kiwi Berry Yum!!!

The self-pollinating Actinidia arguta is a heirloom perennial vine native to Japan, Korea, Northern China, and Russian Siberia. The fruit are referred to as Hardy kiwifruit, kiwi berry, arctic kiwi, baby kiwi, dessert kiwi, grape kiwi, northern kiwi, or cocktail kiwi and are edible. Berry or grape-sized fruit similar to kiwifruit in taste and appearance, but are green with smooth skin. Often sweeter than the kiwifruit, hardy kiwifruit can be eaten whole and need not be peeled.

The fast-growing, climbing vine is very hardy (hence the name hardy kiwi), and is capable of surviving slow temperature drops to -30°F, although young shoots can be vulnerable to frost in the spring. The vines need a frost-free growing season of about 150 days, but are not damaged by late freezes, provided that temperature changes are sufficiently gradual to allow plants to acclimate. Indeed, a period of winter chill is necessary for successful cultivation. However, rapid freezes will kill off buds and split vines. The vines can also be grown in low-chill areas. Seed available here.

The vines grow extremely quickly and require a strong trellis for support.