Hardy Kiwi Live Plants – Anna Female & Meader Male – Edible Fruit Vine, Zones 3–8
Scientific name: Actinidia arguta
Grow Sweet, Smooth-Skinned Kiwi Berries at Home
Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta), also called kiwi berry, is a vigorous deciduous fruit vine that produces grape-sized kiwis with smooth edible skin—no peeling needed. The fruit is sweet and aromatic, and established vines can remain productive for many years.
Important: Hardy kiwi plants are male or female. A female vine produces fruit only when a compatible male vine flowers nearby. For the simplest setup, choose an Anna female and Meader male pair.
Choose Your Plant
- Anna (Ananasnaya) female: Produces edible fruit and requires a male pollinator.
- Meader male: Provides pollen but does not produce fruit.
- Female and male pair: The recommended option for gardeners starting without another compatible hardy kiwi nearby.
One established Meader male can pollinate up to six female hardy kiwi vines when their bloom periods overlap.
Growing Conditions
- Light: Full sun for the best flowering and fruit production; tolerates partial shade
- Hardiness zones: 3–8
- Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Spacing: 12–15 feet apart
- Mature growth: Vigorous climbing vine, commonly 20–30 feet with support
- Support: Requires a strong arbor, fence, pergola, or trellis
- Bloom time: Spring
- Harvest: Late summer to fall, depending on climate
When Will Hardy Kiwi Produce Fruit?
Young vines need time to establish. Fruiting often begins about 3–5 years after planting, although timing varies with plant age, climate, sunlight, pruning, and care. Both a mature female and a compatible flowering male must be present.
What You’ll Receive
You will receive the live plant size and quantity selected above. Plants ship well rooted in 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch nursery pots. Height, fullness, and seasonal appearance naturally vary.
Hardy kiwi is deciduous. Plants may arrive dormant and without leaves from approximately November through April. Yellowing or falling leaves in autumn are a normal part of dormancy.
Planting and Care
- Plant promptly and water deeply after planting.
- Keep the root zone evenly moist while the vine becomes established.
- Train new growth onto a sturdy support.
- Prune established vines to manage size and encourage productive growth.
Shipping Restrictions
Check Agricultural restrictions if this plant can be shipped from Maryland to your state.
Ideal shipping temperature: 45°F to 85°F.
Our Arrival Guarantee
Every plant is guaranteed to arrive healthy. Unpack promptly after delivery. If there is a problem on arrival, contact us within 24 hours and include clear photos so we can help. Shipments are insured against transit damage.
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