Description
The female hardy kiwi vine 'Weiki', also known as kiwai, is a productive cultivar of Actinidia arguta. It is a vigorous, cold-hardy climbing vine with deciduous foliage, producing smooth, bite-sized edible fruits that are sweet and high in vitamin C. As a female plant, 'Weiki' requires a compatible male pollinator nearby to bear fruit. It pairs particularly well with varieties like 'Weima', 'Romeo', or 'Issai'. It thrives on trellises, pergolas, or fences, and performs well in cool-temperate climates.
Geographical origin: German selection – species native to East Asia
Family: Actinidiaceae
Type: Female plant, must be paired with a male for pollination
Mature height: 4 to 6 m
Spread: 3 to 5 m
Growth habit: Vigorous, twining vine
Foliage: Deciduous, glossy green and dense, turning striking red to purple in autumn. Quickly covers supports, walls, or pergolas with lush greenery.
Hardiness: Excellent – down to –25 °C. Perfect for continental, mountain or northern climates.
Blooming period: May to early June, depending on region
Flowers: Small white clusters, female only (with central stigma). Discreet in appearance but highly productive.
Pollination: Requires cross-pollination. A compatible male plant must be within 5–7 metres for fruit to set properly.
Shape and size: Oval, 2 to 3 cm long
Skin: Smooth and green, completely edible – no peeling needed
Flavour: Sweet and fragrant, with hints of gooseberry and classic kiwi, but without the acidity. Popular with children and easy to snack on.
Harvest time: Late September to mid-October. Gradual ripening. Keeps well in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Light exposure: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade if sheltered
Soil: Deep, fertile, cool but well-drained. Slightly acidic to neutral pH preferred
Support: Requires strong trellising, fencing or can be trained along a wall. Needs room to spread out
Best time: Spring or autumn (avoid frost)
Distance to male plant: Should be planted no more than 5–7 metres from a compatible male for successful fertilisation. Ensure open space to encourage pollinators like bees and bumblebees.
Watering: Keep regularly watered for the first two years to support root development; reduce as the plant matures
Pruning: Winter training to shape and manage growth, followed by light summer thinning after flowering. Remove weak or poorly placed shoots
Methods: Hardwood cuttings or grafting
Note: Plants grown from seed may be male or female – gender is not guaranteed
To produce fruit, 'Weiki' must be paired with one of the following male cultivars:
Perfect for home orchards, fruiting pergolas, fences or natural screens. Should always be planted with a male Actinidia arguta. Combines well with other female varieties like 'Ken’s Red', 'Jumbo', or 'Geneva'.
The female hardy kiwi 'Weiki' is a robust, productive climber that yields smooth, flavourful fruits. A great choice for cool-climate gardens – provided it’s planted with a compatible male.
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