Ken's Red Hardy Kiwi

Ken's Red Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta 'Ken's Red')

Ken's Red Hardy Kiwi is a vigorous twining vine that bears smooth, deep red to burgundy skin fruit with sweet, aromatic red-tinged flesh in late summer to early fall. Dense foliage quickly covers trellises and arbors, adding edible beauty to sunny landscapes.

Distinctive Features

Striking red-skinned fruit distinguishes this selection from standard green types, with thin, bite-through skins and rich flavor. Strong growth provides fast coverage and dependable yields with proper training and pruning.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best flowering, coloration, and sweetness; provide light afternoon shade in very hot climates.
• Soil: Well drained, moderately fertile soil enriched with organic matter.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during establishment, flowering, and fruit swell; avoid waterlogged conditions.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 12 to 20 ft long with support; height varies by training.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Red fruit clusters and glossy foliage create a high-impact edible display.
• Trellises and Arbors: Trains neatly to shade and ornament outdoor structures.
• Edible Landscapes: Blends ornamental coverage with productive harvests.
• Privacy Screens: Provides fast seasonal coverage on fences and wires.
• Large Containers: Performs on sturdy trellises with consistent water and feed.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deeply water when the top inch of soil begins to dry; do not allow prolonged drought during fruiting.
• Pruning: Train a permanent framework, winter prune to control size, and summer tip new laterals to 5 to 7 leaves beyond fruit.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in early spring; avoid excess nitrogen that reduces flowering and fruit quality.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 inch organic mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch off the stems.
• Notes: Female vine typically needs a compatible male A. arguta pollinator nearby for best fruit set; protect tender spring shoots from late frost.

Why Choose Ken's Red Hardy Kiwi?

• Unique Color: Red skins and blush flesh stand out in the garden and kitchen.
• Thin-Skinned Fruit: Bite-sized kiwis can be eaten whole without peeling.
• Productive Vine: Reliable crops with proper pruning and pollination.
• Fast Coverage: Quickly clothes supports while setting fruit.
• High Garden Value: Combines shade, screening, and flavorful harvests.

Plant in full sun with sturdy support, pair with a male pollinator, keep moisture steady through summer, and prune to a simple framework for consistent yields and easy maintenance.