Actinidia arguta 'Kokuwa' (self-fertile) (female)

Actinidia arguta 'Kokuwa' (Kokuwa Hardy Kiwi Vine) is a Self-fertile Hardy Kiwi variety. The fruit is oval-shaped with green flesh and smooth, edible skin. The juicy flesh has a sweet kiwi flavour with a slightly sour tang of lemon. The kiwi berries are 1.5 to 2 cm long in average.

Small, lemon-scented, white flowers appear in June that develop into dense clusters of medium-sized fruit by the end of summer. Kokuwa Kiwi Fruit ripen between late September and October, usually after the first light frost. It is ripe when it gives slightly under pressure. The attractive foliage turns golden-yellow in the fall.

While this female variety of Hardy Kiwi is considered self-fertile (”parthenocarpic” to be accurate), planting Hardy Kiwis (Actinidia arguta) male cultivars nearby, such as ‘Andrew’, ‘Meader’, or ‘Weiki M’ could improve fruit yield. In order to pollinate 6 to 8 Female Hardy Kiwi plants, one male Kiwi plant is recommended. Kokuwa self-pollinating hardy Kiwi should start bearing fruits within 3 to 5 years.

Kokuwa Tara Vine will perform best planted in full sun, in moist soil, and near a trellis or structure to climb on. While Kokuwa Hardy Kiwi is hardy to zone 5b, it is recommended that you plant it early in the season to give the plant time to establish. Consider applying mulch around the roots in the fall.