Prolific Hardy Kiwi - Actinidia arguta

The Prolific Kiwi is known for three things: It self fertilizes, it’s cold tolerant and its grape-sized fruit has smooth skin.

As “self-fertilizing” suggests, a male hardy kiwi is not required for your Prolific to bear fruit, like most other kiwi vine varieties. You can even use the Prolific to pollinate other female Actinidia arguta kiwi vines. However, by introducing a male hardy kiwi to your lineup, you could greatly increase your fruit yield.

The Prolific is more cold tolerant than other kiwi species, thriving in USDA zones as low Zone 4.

The vine produces a sweet fruit that’s high in vitamin C and no larger than the size of a grape. The texture is smooth, so you don’t have to peel it like fuzzy-skinned kiwis. The fruit is dark green on the inside and outside, and as it ripens, the skin will turn reddish.

This vine is ideal for planting on a trellis or fence. Flowers typically bloom by early summer and fruit arrives in the fall.

• Average mature height: 20-25 foot vine or 12’ in a container
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Cold hardy: Yes
• Soil: Well-drained. Average watering needs.
• Zones: 4-8