Mini Kiwi - Actinidia arguta 'Super Jumbo'

Actinidia arguta 'Super Jumbo' is a female variety of mini-kiwi (also known as kiwai or kiwiberry), renowned for its large (compared to other Actinidia arguta cultivars), tasty fruits and its vigor as a climbing plant. This cultivar is ideal for gardens that want to combine the aesthetics of a decorative plant with the benefit of an abundant and healthy harvest.

Appearance of flowers and fruits

• Flowers : 'Super 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.
• Fruits : The fruits are larger than average mini-kiwis, weighing up to 10-11 grams . They have a thin, edible, yellowish-green skin, and the flesh is green, juicy, with a sweet and slightly acidic taste, offering an exotic and pleasant aroma. The fruits ripen from September to October , being perfect for fresh consumption, without the need for peeling.
• Harvest period : Harvest usually begins in late September and can continue until mid-October, depending on climatic conditions.

Growth characteristics

• Height : Grows to 5-7 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, 8-12 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, with protection from cold winds and the scorching afternoon sun.
• Soil : It needs fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH. Calcareous 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, 'Super 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 extremely cold hardy, withstanding temperatures down to -25°C to -30°C (USDA zones 4-9), making it ideal 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

'Super Jumbo' is excellent for decorating pergolas, fences or walls, offering dense foliage that can act as a natural screen. Its green fruits, rich in vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus, 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 as Trochostigma argutum. The variety 'Super Jumbo' is a modern horticultural selection, developed to provide larger fruit and high productivity, and has been popularized in Europe and North America as an alternative to the classic kiwifruit. This selection reflects efforts to improve fruit characteristics and plant hardiness while maintaining the exotic taste and nutritional benefits.