Actinidia melanandra - Red Kiwi

Habitat

Exposition

Plein soleil ou mi-ombre

Humidité

Humidité moyenne.

Sol

Tous sols.

pH

Sol acide ou calcaire

Rusticité

Zone 6

Habitat originel

Thickets around 1800 metres in W. Hupeh, Szechwan and N. Yunnan[109].

Origine géographique

E. Asia - W. China.

Comestibilité

• Fruits - crus ou cuits [126, 183].
• The fruit is up to 3cm long [183, 198].
• It contains a number of small seeds, but these are easily eaten with the fruit [K].

Culture

• Prefers a sound loamy neutral soil [1, 200].
• Succeeds in semi-shade but full sun is best for fruit production [200].
• Prefers a sheltered position [200].
• One report says that plants are not fully hardy in the colder parts of the country [219].
• Young spring growth is susceptible to frost damage [160].
• 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].
• The flowers have a soft, aromatic perfume [245].
• This is a climbing plant, supporting itself by twining around branches etc [200].
• At least one named variety has been developed for its edible fruit [183].
• Plants have been seen in fruit at Kew [11].
• This species is a good pollinator for A. arguta cordifolia [183].
• Les plantes de ce genre sont notamment résistantes aux armillaires (champignons) [200].
• Dioïque .
• Vous devez planter des plants males et femelles si vous souhaitez obtenir des graines .
• Another report says that both sexes are on one plant [182].

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, 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 .