September Sun Arctic Kiwi

September Sun Arctic Kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta 'September Sun')

September Sun Arctic Kiwi is a cold-hardy fruiting vine that bears smooth, grape-size kiwifruit with sweet, aromatic flesh on a compact, fast-climbing frame; handsome foliage quickly dresses trellises, arbors, and fences for edible shade in cool to cold climates.

Distinctive Features

Clusters of small, fragrant late-spring flowers mature to bite-size kiwis you eat skin and all; reliable ripening in late summer to early fall in short-season areas pairs with naturally moderate vigor for easier training.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun in cool climates; provide light afternoon shade in hot-summer regions.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained loam enriched with organic matter; avoid waterlogged sites.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during establishment, bloom, and fruit swell; do not allow prolonged drought.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8.
• Mature Size: Vines typically 8 to 15 ft with support, longer in ideal conditions.
• Bloom Time: Late spring; fruit ripens late summer to early fall.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic, about 5.0 to 6.5.

Ideal Uses

• Trellis or Fence: Trains into a productive, compact privacy screen.
• Arbor or Pergola: Creates edible shade with manageable vigor.
• Cold-Climate Gardens: Reliable fruit set and ripening in short seasons.
• Large Containers: Thrives in 18 to 24 in pots with a sturdy obelisk or panel.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deeply soak when the top 1 to 2 in are dry; increase frequency during flowering and fruit swell.
• Pruning: Winter prune to renew fruiting spurs on 1-year wood; summer tip and thin vigorous shoots to improve light and airflow.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced fertilizer; avoid excess nitrogen that favors rank growth over fruiting.
• Mulching: Apply 2 to 3 in organic mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping it off the crown.
• Notes: Typically a female vine that requires a compatible male A. kolomikta nearby for pollination; protect young shoots from cats and provide stout, long-term support.

Why Choose September Sun Arctic Kiwi?

• Cold-Hardy Fruit: Dependable production in Zones 3 to 8.
• No Peeling: Smooth, edible skins for quick snacking.
• Compact Growth: Easier to manage than standard hardy kiwis.
• Decorative and Productive: Attractive foliage, fragrant bloom, and flavorful fruit.

Plant in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil, pair with a male pollinizer, and train on a sturdy support for abundant, sweet, bite-size kiwifruit.