'Prolific' Hardy Kiwi

'Prolific' hardy kiwi is a vigorous, cold-hardy cultivar known for its heavy, reliable yields of smooth-skinned, grape-sized fruit with a sweet, classic kiwi flavour. Ripening in early fall, it performs well in cooler climates, making it a dependable choice for northern gardens. As 'Prolific' is a female cultivar, it will require a male hardy kiwi vine nearby for cross-pollination and fruit set.

Hardy kiwis are an attractive, climbing, deciduous vine that grows at a fast rate and produces edible kiwis the size of large grapes. The fruit of hardy kiwis are often sweeter and more flavourful than full-size fuzzy kiwis. Hardy kiwi fruit have a thin, edible, smooth skin (no fuzz!), so you can eat the whole thing, without peeling. The variety 'Prolific' has green fruit with a reddish-purple blush on the skin.

Hardy kiwis are climbing vines that will require a support structure, such as a fence, trellis or arbour. They grow similarly to grape vines. 

As the name suggests, "hardy" kiwis are incredibly cold hardy. These vines can grow outdoors all year and are able to survive temperatures down to -30ºC.

Expect 30-50+ pounds of fruit per year from a mature, well-pruned 'Prolific' hardy kiwi vine.

Common names: Hardy kiwi, kiwiberry, kiwiberries, kiwifruit, 'Prolific' hardy kiwi, Chinese gooseberry

Edible: Fruit
Harvest timing: late summer to early fall

Scientific name: Actinidia arguta 'Prolific'
Light requirements: Full sun (6+ hrs)
Full-grown size: 20-30' long vine (10-15' wide canopy if covering a support structure)
Hardiness: Zone 4
Pollination: Requires cross pollination with male variety of hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta).
Wildlife: Flowers attract bees
Origin: Species originates from northern Asia. 
Noteworthy: Very cold hardy. Vigorous vine with prolific harvests.