Actinidia arguta - Kiwai

Habitat

Exposition

Plein soleil ou mi-ombre

Humidité

Humidité moyenne.

Sol

Tous sols.

pH

Sol acide ou calcaire

Rusticité

Zone 4

Habitat originel

Climbing up trees in woodland at elevations of 100 - 2000 metres[11, 198].

Origine géographique

E. Asia - China, Japan

Comestibilité

• Fruit - raw, cooked or dried for later use [1, 3, 61, 105].
• Sweeter than A. deliciosa, the kiwi fruit[183], the skin is smooth and can be eaten with the fruit [K].
• The fruit contains up to 5 times the vitamin C content of blackcurrants [74].
• Highly esteemed according to one report[151] whilst another says that they are insipid [11].
• The fruits are about 2 to 2.5cm long [198].
• They contain a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit [K].
• The plant is rich in sap and this can be tapped and drunk in the spring [105, 177, 183].

Culture

• Prefers a sound loamy neutral soil [1, 200].
• Tolerates acid and moderately alkaline soils [202].
• Succeeds in semi-shade but full sun is best for fruit production [200].
• Prefers a sheltered position [200].
• A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to -30°c or more, but the young spring growth is susceptible to frost damage [160].
• Some cultivars are said to tolerate temperatures down to about -50°c when fully dormant [160].
• This species is often cultivated for its edible fruit and it is increasingly being seen as having potential in Britain .
• There are some named varieties [183].
• Plants are usually dioecious but the cultivar 'Issai' is self-fertile [200].
• Une espèce polymorphe [74].
• Fruits are formed on second year wood and also on fruit spurs on older wood[126], any pruning is best carried out in the winter [219].
• Plants only flower when grown in warm climates [202].
• This species flowers well in gardens in the south and west of Britain[219], the small flowers being sweetly scented [245].
• This is a climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around branches etc [200].
• Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required .
• Les plantes de ce genre sont notamment résistantes aux armillaires (champignons) [200].

Propagation

• Graines - semez au printemps sous serre [133].
• It is probably best if the seed is given 3 months stratification[113], either sow it in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in November or as soon as it is received .
• Fresh seed germinates in 2 - 3 months at 10°c, stored seed can take longer [133].
• When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter .
• When the plants are 30cm or more tall, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts [K].
• Most seedlings are male [126].
• The seedlings are subject to damping off, so they must be kept well ventilated [113].
• Cuttings of softwood as soon as ready in spring in a frame [K].
• Boutures de bois mi-mûr, Juillet/Août sous chassis .
• Very high percentage [113].
• Cuttings of ripe wood, October/November in a frame .