Hardy kiwi (Actinidia Arguta) 20 seeds (#300)

Hardy kiwi is a deciduous woody vine that originates from eastern Asia. It is an attractive plant with dark green foliage and fragrant white flowers that appear in late spring but is primarily grown for its tart and sweet pale green fruits. Kiwi are dioecious, which means individual plants have either female flowers or male flowers. So, it is necessary to have at least two vines, one female and one male, for cross-pollination and fruiting.
For high productivity, plant these in locations with full sun and rich well-drained soil. Hardy kiwi must be trained on a strong trellis or fence. (info source: learn2grow.com)
Prefers a sound loamy neutral soil. Tolerates acid and moderately alkaline soils. Succeeds in semi-shade but full sun is best for fruit production. Prefers a sheltered position. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to -30°c or more, but the young spring growth is susceptible to frost damage. Some cultivars are said to tolerate temperatures down to about -50°c when fully dormant. 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. Plants are usually dioecious but the cultivar 'Issai' is self-fertile. A polymorphic species. Fruits are formed on second year wood and also on fruit spurs on older wood, any pruning is best carried out in the winter. Plants only flower when grown in warm climates.
You can grow these plants very much like you would grow grapes with good supports. Although it is often stated kiwis that grow well where citrus, peaches and almonds grow well, this isn't exactly true all the time since these other trees will take a more intense sun and a less rich soil and still grow well.

Genus - Actinidia
Species - Arguta
Common name - Hardy kiwi
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 7
Height - 18'-22' / 5.50 - 7 m
Spread - 3'-4' / 0.90 - 1.20 m
Plant type - Vine
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Neutral
Soil type - Loam
Water requirements - Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Landscape uses - Edible, Feature Plant, Vine
Bloom season - Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Green-dark red anthers

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
Soak in water, rinse 3 times, repeat process daily for 7 days.
Cold and moist stratify for 30-60 days.
After the stratification, sow in a light mix, moisten it. Keep at +20-+25C.
Note: requires light for germination.
Germination time: 3 weeks to 2 months.