A new fruit for Southern growers. Kiwi fruit brings a pretty price in the supermarket, and it is easy to understand why, when it boasts the flavors of pineapple, strawberry and melon. It is really like eating a fruit salad! Two kinds of kiwis can be grown-- the more familiar fuzzy kiwi and the more cold tolerant smooth kiwi.

Kiwis grow on a large, rambling, deciduous vine with broad, deep green leaves and soft, white undersides. New growth is covered with velvety red hairs. In May, the vines burst forth with large, white blossoms that fill the air with a heavenly perfume. Harvesting begins while the fruit is still hard in October. Fruit can be stored in a cool place up to 6 months.

Kiwis prefer well-drained soils and part to full sun. Trellis for best results.

Fuzzy Varieties (Arguta deliciosa)

ELMWOOD The best low chill kiwi for our area. Large, white, strawberry-like flowers with a sweet scent. Consistent producer of the largest fruit (up to 10 oz.). Needs Matua male for pollination. Ripens September. Zones 8-9. $19.99 1 gal (1-2ft) $32.99 3 gal (3-4ft).

MALE MATUA The standard for pollination. Flowers over a long season. Zones 8-9. $19.99 1 gal (1-2ft) $32.99 3 gal (3-4ft).

MALE TOMURI Tomuri (Maori for “late-blooming”) is a fuzzy kiwi, bred to pollinate females of the same type (usually “Vincent”). One male can pollinate up to 4-5 females in a row, or if centrally located between them, 8-10. Tomuri is a lovely vigorous vine (like all kiwi) and has big heart-shaped leaves and large creamy white flowers in spring, making it a fantastic landscaping feature. Will not bear fruit. $19.99 1 gal (1-2ft) $32.99 3 gal (3-4ft).

VINCENT Even though she's named Vincent, this is the female fuzzy kiwi looking for Tomuri. She's a tasty egg-sized fruit, similar to what you are accustomed to buying in the grocery store. Bred for warmer climates, she requires only 100 chill units, and a growing season of 240 frost-free days to sweeten the fruit. Fruit set is most successful when the winter temperature drops below 32, and Vincent is hardy to 10-15 degrees. Can be grown successfully in a large pot if trellised adequately. Harvest in October. $19.99 1 gal (1-2ft) $32.99 3 gal (3-4ft).

Arguta Varieties (Arguta chinensis)

Arguta kiwis are the smooth-skinned cousins of the fuzzy or A. deliciosa kiwi. The plants are more cold tolerant and less vigorous. The bite-sized fruit is eaten skin and all and has a sweeter flavor than the fuzzy kiwi. Many varieties have been developed, some with very unusual skin and flesh coloring.

ANNA Hardy variety that does well on the northern edge of Zone 6. Large red-blushed skin with a green center. Tangy sweet with a pineapple aroma. Ripens late August-September. Needs a male pollinator. Zones 6-9. $32.99 3 gal (3-4ft).

HARDY RED One of the largest smooth-skinned kiwi. Very prolific with a deep red skin. Red flesh is tangy sweet. Ripens late August-September. Needs a male pollinator. Zones 6-9. $32.99 3 gal (3-4ft).

ISSAI A great Japanese variety. Great flavor. Ripens late August-September. Self-fertile. Zones 6-9. $32.99 3 gal (3-4ft).

LONE STAR Found growing in Panama City, FL. This variety doesn't need a male pollinator, but may set more fruit with one. Fruit ripens in late August and is long and thin, brown-skinned with an emerald green center. Flavor is sweeter than most smooth-skinned kiwis. Zones 6-9. $32.99 3 gal (3-4ft).

MALE ARGUTA Pollinates up to 4 females. Use with all female Arguta chinensis. Zones 6-9. $32.99 3 gal (3-4ft).


Just the Facts
Not sure what to do with kiwi fruit or how to grow them right? DON'T PANIC! Push the panic button and we will give you "Just the Facts" you need to successfully grow them.

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Please come to see us if you can (Wednesday to Sunday, 9:05-5:08). We are located 19 miles south of Tallahassee, just off US Highway 98, 1 mile east of the intersection with US Highway 319 (South of Crawfordville center and actually in the village of Medart). If you need further directions, feel free to call us at 1-850-926-5644 or enter 30 St. Frances St. Crawforville FL 32327 (or Just Fruits Nursery) into Google Maps ( CLICK HERE).