Mini Kiwi rosu - Actinidia arguta 'Red Jumbo'

Actinidia arguta 'Red Jumbo' is a female variety of mini-kiwi (also known as kiwiberry or kiwai), renowned for its attractive, tasty red fruit. This vigorous climber is an excellent choice for gardens that want to combine ornamental beauty with a delicious, healthy harvest.

Appearance of flowers and fruits

• Flowers : 'Red Jumbo' produces small, white, fragrant 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 medium to large for a mini-kiwi , weighing between 7-10 grams . They have a thin, edible, deep red skin, and the flesh is also red, juicy, with a sweet and slightly acidic taste, reminiscent of grapes or tropical fruits. The fruit ripens from September to October , providing an early harvest compared to other mini-kiwi varieties.
• Harvest period : Harvest usually begins in early September and can continue until mid-October, depending on climatic conditions.

Growth characteristics

• Height : Grows to 4-6 meters , requiring solid support such as trellises, pergolas or fences. It is a climbing plant, with stems that twist around supporting structures.
• 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, capable of covering large areas if not controlled by pruning.

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. Calcareous or excessively wet soils should be avoided.
• Watering : Requires regular watering, especially in the first years and during dry periods, to keep the soil constantly moist, but not soaked.
• Pruning : Pruning is essential: a summer pruning (after flowering) controls growth, and a winter pruning (February-March) stimulates fruiting and structures the plant.
• Pollination : Being a female variety, 'Red Jumbo' requires a male pollinator, such as Actinidia arguta 'Weiki', 'Nostino' or 'Prince Jumbo', planted nearby (one male can pollinate up to 5-8 female plants).

Care and resistance

• Hardiness : It is very cold hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -25°C to -30°C (USDA zones 4-9), making it suitable for temperate climates. Young shoots may be sensitive to late spring frosts, sometimes requiring protection.
• Fertilization : A balanced fertilizer applied in spring supports growth and fruit production.
• Pests : It is resistant to most diseases, but can be affected by mites in hot, dry conditions; watering the leaves can prevent infestation.

Garden use

Kiwi 'Red Jumbo' is excellent for decorating pergolas, fences or walls, offering dense foliage that can act as a natural screen. Its red fruits are rich in vitamin C and are ideal for fresh consumption, in fruit salads, juices or desserts. Due to its moderate size, it can also be grown in large containers, with appropriate support.

Origin

Actinidia arguta is native to East Asia , including Japan, Korea, northern China and the Russian Far East, where it grows naturally in forests and on hillsides. It was first described in 1843 by Philipp Franz von Siebold and Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini under the name Trochostigma argutum. The variety 'Red Jumbo' is a modern horticultural selection, resulting from the crossing of Actinidia arguta with Actinidia purpurea, which explains the red color of the skin and flesh, as well as the early ripening. Probably developed in Europe (Germany or Switzerland), this variety was introduced to provide attractive and productive fruit, and was popularized in Western gardens as an exotic alternative to the classic kiwi.