Kiwi ‘Ken’s Red’

Kiwi ‘Ken’s Red’

$34.99
Title

 Imagine a lush, vigorous vine with deep green, heart-shaped leaves and striking reddish-brown stems that can transform any sturdy trellis or pergola into a living wall of colour. In late spring, clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers emerge, followed by heavy bunches of beautiful, smooth-skinned fruits that blush from green to a deep, royal burgundy as they ripen. These "kiwi grapes" are not just a visual treat; they are perfectly bite-sized gems that invite you to snack directly from the vine.
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Plant Details

Difficulty:

Medium

Zone:

5-9

Watering:

Medium to High

Years To Bear:

3-5

Plant Type:

Fruit Vine

Light:

Full Sun/Partial Shade

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Hardy Kiwi, Kiwiberry, Baby Kiwi, Grape Kiwi, Dessert Kiwi, Cocktail Kiwi, Tara Vine

Scientific Name:

Actinidia arguta 'Ken’s Red'

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: Height of 9–30 ft (2.7–9 m) and spread of 10–20 ft (3–6 m).
  • Growth Habit: Rapidly growing, twining woody vine.
  • Form: Climbing/Vining.
  • Growth Rate: Fast; first-year shoots can reach 6–12 feet.
  • Longevity: Long-lived; can remain productive for 30–40+ years.

Features:

  • Disease Resistances: Generally pest and disease-free.
  • Native Species: No (Native to East Asia).
  • Fast Growing: Highly vigorous.
  • Attracts: Bees and other pollinators.
  • Uses: Edible fruit, privacy screens on fences, or ornamental coverage for pergolas and arbours.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Sheltered, sunny position; avoid frost pockets as young spring shoots are tender.
  • Soil Preferences: Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained loam.
  • Soil Tolerance: Slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.8) is ideal; sensitive to high salt and heavy, waterlogged clay.
  • Watering: High; needs deep, regular irrigation during active growth.

Plant Care

Care:

  • Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade; full sun is best for maximum fruit production.
  • Moisture Requirements: Requires consistent, even moisture, especially during the fruit-swelling stage; avoid waterlogging.
  • Maintenance: Needs a very sturdy support system and frequent pruning. Dormant pruning in late winter is essential to maintain the framework, followed by summer tipping to control growth and improve airflow.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer or rich organic compost in early spring before new growth begins.

Tips For Success:

  • Thinning: Thin crowded fruit on heavy-bearing years to improve size.
  • Support: Build a very stout trellis or T-bar system before planting; these vines become extremely heavy.
  • Mulching: Use a generous layer of mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture.
  • Winter Protection: Protect tender emerging shoots from late spring frosts with row covers.

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time To Plant: Spring.
  • Spacing: Space vines 10–15 feet apart.
  • Location Tips: Site on an east-facing slope to delay spring bloom and avoid late frosts; ensure protection from strong, desiccating winds.

Fruit Profile

Size:

Large for a hardy kiwi; typically grape-sized to cherry-sized (approx. 3–4 cm).

Colour:

Purple-red skin with vibrant red flesh.

Texture:

Smooth, thin skin (no peeling required) with soft, juicy flesh.

Flavour:

Mild, very sweet, and low in acidity with a classic "kiwi punch".

Harvest Time:

Fall (September to October)

Pollination Requirements:

Dioecious; requires a male Actinidia arguta pollinator (such as 'Meader', 'Weiki', or 'Andrew') for fruit set. One male can typically serve 6–8 females.