Mini Kiwi roz - Actinidia arguta 'Pink Jumbo'

Actinidia arguta 'Pink Jumbo' , also known as 'Pink Jumbo' mini-kiwi or kiwibeere, is a remarkable female (fruiting) variety of the species Actinidia arguta, valued for its attractive and tasty fruits (large for a mini-kiwi). This vigorous climber is ideal for gardens, balconies or terraces, providing both lush green decor and a delicious harvest.

Appearance of flowers and fruits

• Flowers : 'Pink Jumbo' produces small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers that appear in June-July . They are grouped in inflorescences and have a delicate appearance, attracting pollinators such as bees.
• Fruit : The fruit is the highlight of this variety. It is larger than other mini-kiwis, weighing up to 10-15 grams, and has a thin, edible skin that is a vibrant pink-red when fully ripe. The flesh is deep green, juicy, with a sweet-fruity taste, balanced by a slight acidity, giving a pleasant tropical aroma. The fruit ripens from September to October , sometimes even earlier due to the genetic influence of Actinidia purpurea.
• Harvest period : Harvest usually begins in mid-September and can continue until mid-October, depending on climatic conditions.

Growth characteristics

• Height : Grows to 4-6 meters , requiring a support structure such as trellises, pergolas or fences. It is a climbing plant, with stems that twist around the support.
• Foliage : The leaves are cordate (heart-shaped), dark green, 8-10 cm long, and fall in autumn, providing a decorative appearance throughout the growing season.
• Vigor : It is a fast-growing plant, requiring regular pruning to control expansion and stimulate fruit production.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers a sunny or semi-shaded location, ideally with morning sun and protection from the afternoon heat.
• Soil : It needs fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH. Moist, but not soggy, soils are ideal.
• Watering : Requires regular watering, especially in the first years and during dry periods.
• Pruning : Pruning is done twice a year: a summer pruning (after flowering) to control growth and a winter pruning (February-March) to structure the plant and stimulate fruiting.
• Pollination : Being a female variety, 'Pink Jumbo' requires a male pollinator, such as Actinidia arguta 'Prince Jumbo', 'Nostino' or 'Weiki', planted nearby (1 male can pollinate up to 5-8 female plants).

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : It is very cold hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -25°C (USDA zones 4-9), making it suitable for temperate climates. However, young shoots may be sensitive to late spring frosts.
• Fertilization : A balanced fertilizer applied in spring supports growth and fruit production.
• Pests : It is relatively disease resistant, but can be affected by mites (red spider mites) in hot, dry conditions; spraying water on the leaves can prevent infestation.

Garden use

Kiwi 'Pink Jumbo' is a perfect variety to decorate pergolas, fences or walls, offering dense foliage that can also serve as a natural screen. Its pink-red fruits add an exotic touch and are ideal for fresh consumption, in fruit salads, desserts or as a healthy snack, rich in vitamin C. Due to its moderate size, it can also be grown in large containers on terraces or balconies, provided that it has adequate support.

Origin

Actinidia arguta, the parent species, is native to East Asia , including Japan, Korea, northern China, and the Russian Far East. It was first described in 1843 by botanists Philipp Franz von Siebold and Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini as Trochostigma argutum. The variety 'Pink Jumbo' is a modern horticultural selection, developed by hybridization with Actinidia purpurea , which explains the pink-red color of the skin and the earlier ripening of the fruit. This variety was introduced to combine large fruit size with attractive aesthetics and increased hardiness, and has been popularized in Europe and North America as an alternative to the classic kiwifruit.