Top 20 Kiwi Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Kiwis are a delightful, nutrient-packed fruit known for their sweet-tart flavor and fuzzy or smooth skin. They are surprisingly easy to grow in the right conditions and come in various types, including traditional fuzzy kiwis and smooth-skinned hardy kiwis. Choosing the right variety can enhance your garden and give you delicious fruit for fresh eating, smoothies, and desserts. This guide will introduce you to the top 20 kiwi varieties to grow, with essential tips for cultivating a healthy and productive kiwi vine.

1. Hayward

Hayward is the most popular and commonly grown kiwi variety, known for its large, sweet, fuzzy fruit with bright green flesh.

Tip: Hayward requires a male pollinator (such as Matua) for fruit production, so plant both male and female vines.

2. Matua

Matua is a male kiwi variety used as a pollinator for female varieties like Hayward. It does not produce fruit but is essential for pollination.

Tip: Plant one male vine (such as Matua) for every 6-8 female kiwi vines to ensure good fruit set.

3. Blake

Blake is a self-fertile kiwi variety with smaller, fuzzy fruit similar to Hayward. It is great for gardeners who only want to plant one vine.

Tip: Although Blake is self-fertile, planting another variety nearby will increase fruit yields.

4. Jenny

Jenny is another self-fertile kiwi that produces medium-sized, sweet, fuzzy fruit. It’s ideal for smaller gardens.

Tip: Jenny benefits from full sun and well-drained soil. Regular pruning is essential to keep the vine manageable and productive.

5. Saanichton

Saanichton is a large-fruited, hardy kiwi variety with sweet, green flesh. It’s more cold-tolerant than Hayward, making it suitable for cooler climates.

Tip: Provide a trellis for support, as Saanichton can grow vigorously and needs space to spread.

6. Meader

Meader is a hardy kiwi variety with small, smooth, green fruit. It is ideal for growing in colder regions and does not require peeling.

Tip: Meader is dioecious, meaning it requires both a male and female plant for pollination and fruiting.

7. Issai

Issai is a self-fertile, hardy kiwi variety that produces small, smooth-skinned fruit. It’s perfect for growing in containers or small spaces.

Tip: Plant Issai in full sun and prune regularly to keep it under control, as it can grow quickly if left unchecked.

8. Ken’s Red

Ken’s Red is a unique hardy kiwi variety with smooth, reddish-purple skin and sweet, juicy flesh. It’s ideal for fresh eating.

Tip: Ken’s Red needs a male pollinator for fruit set, so pair it with a hardy male kiwi vine.

9. Arctic Beauty

Arctic Beauty is a beautiful ornamental kiwi variety known for its colorful, variegated leaves. The female plants produce small, smooth fruit.

Tip: Plant Arctic Beauty in a partially shaded area, as it can tolerate more shade than other kiwi varieties.

10. Ananasnaya (Anna)

Ananasnaya, also known as Anna, is a hardy kiwi with small, sweet, smooth fruit. It’s perfect for growing in cooler climates and does not need peeling.

Tip: Anna kiwi vines need support and consistent pruning to maintain their shape and encourage fruiting.

11. Hardy Red

Hardy Red is a cold-tolerant kiwi variety that produces small, sweet, red-skinned fruit with green flesh. It’s great for fresh eating.

Tip: Hardy Red requires a male pollinator and should be planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil.

12. Michigan State

Michigan State is a cold-hardy variety that produces large, smooth, green fruit. It’s perfect for fresh eating or adding to smoothies.

Tip: Michigan State requires a male pollinator, such as Arctic Beauty, to ensure a good fruit set.

13. Tatyana

Tatyana is a smooth-skinned hardy kiwi variety that produces sweet, green fruit with high yields. It’s ideal for cooler climates.

Tip: Tatyana needs a male pollinator to bear fruit. Ensure it is planted in full sun for the best yields.

14. Weiki

Weiki is a hardy kiwi variety with small, sweet, smooth-skinned fruit that is perfect for growing in colder climates.

Tip: Weiki requires both male and female plants for pollination and thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.

15. Red Beauty

Red Beauty is a striking kiwi variety with smooth, red skin and sweet, flavorful flesh. It’s a great addition to any garden for fresh eating.

Tip: Red Beauty needs a male pollinator for fruit production and benefits from regular pruning to control its vigorous growth.

16. Geneva

Geneva is a cold-hardy kiwi variety that produces small, green, smooth fruit with a sweet flavor. It’s ideal for northern gardeners.

Tip: Geneva kiwi vines require a male pollinator for fruiting and need well-drained soil and full sun for the best results.

17. Vitus

Vitus is a hardy kiwi variety that produces smooth, green fruit with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for growing in colder regions.

Tip: Provide Vitus with a sturdy trellis and prune regularly to maintain the shape and encourage fruiting.

18. Scarlet September

Scarlet September is a cold-hardy kiwi variety that produces small, red-skinned fruit with sweet, green flesh.

Tip: Plant Scarlet September in full sun and pair it with a male pollinator for the best fruit yields.

19. Dumbarton Oaks

Dumbarton Oaks is a hardy kiwi variety with small, smooth, green fruit. It’s excellent for fresh eating and preserves.

Tip: Dumbarton Oaks needs a male pollinator and should be planted in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight.

20. Chico

Chico is a unique, cold-hardy kiwi variety that produces small, smooth, green fruit with a sweet, tangy flavor.

Tip: Chico kiwi vines require a male pollinator and benefit from regular watering and mulching to retain moisture and encourage fruiting.

Tips for Growing Kiwis Successfully

1. Choose the right location: Kiwis thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. Ensure they are planted in a sunny spot with plenty of space for the vines to grow.
2. Provide sturdy support: Kiwi vines are vigorous climbers and need a strong trellis, arbor, or fence to support their weight as they grow.
3. Water consistently: Kiwis require regular watering, especially during dry periods and when the fruit is developing. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
4. Prune regularly: Prune kiwi vines annually in late winter or early spring to remove old wood, improve air circulation, and encourage new growth. This helps maintain their size and improves fruit production.
5. Mulch to retain moisture: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
6. Fertilize in spring: Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and fruit development. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced fruiting.
7. Pollination is key: Most kiwis are dioecious, meaning they require both a male and female plant for pollination. Ensure you have the right ratio of male to female plants for the best fruit set.
8. Protect from frost: Young kiwi plants are sensitive to frost, so protect them with frost covers or grow them in containers that can be moved indoors during cold weather.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for kiwi vines to produce fruit?
Kiwi vines typically begin producing fruit 3 to 5 years after planting, with full yields around the 6th year.

Q2: When is the best time to plant kiwi vines?
The best time to plant kiwi vines is in early spring, after the last frost, or in early fall, giving the roots time to establish before the growing season.

Q3: How often should I water kiwi vines?
Water kiwi vines deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the fruiting period.

Q4: Can kiwis be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf or hardy kiwi varieties like Issai can be grown in large containers with good drainage. Regular pruning and watering are essential for container-grown kiwis.

Q5: How do I protect kiwis from birds?
Use bird netting or other deterrents to protect kiwi fruit from birds, especially as the fruit ripens, as birds are attracted to the sweet, juicy fruit.