Actinidia deliciosa SOLISSIMO 'Renact' (self-fertile) (female)

Actinidia deliciosa SOLISSIMO 'Renact' (SOLISSIMO Fuzzy Kiwi) is the Self-fertile Fuzzy Kiwi variety producing the largest fruits. It has been bred from the female fuzzy kiwi cultivar ‘Hayward’, which is a popular commercial variety commonly seen in stores. SOLISSIMO Kiwifruit shares its parent variety’s large fruit size, attractive shape, and high yield. While considered “Self-fertile”, ‘SOLISSIMO’ is more accurately “parthenocarpic” – it produces fruits without pollination. Plants that produce fruits without fertilisation need no male plant nearby for pollination, usually produce seedless, and smaller fruits. However, SOLISSIMO produces kiwis weighting 60 to 70 grams (75% the weight of 'Hayward' kiwis) and measuring 2 to 3" long (5 to 8 cm). Other self-fertile fuzzy kiwi varieties such as Actinidia deliciosa 'Solo', are usually much smaller and weigh only 20 to 30 grams per fruit.

The medium-large, oval-shaped fruit have a fuzzy brown skin, and look like what most people consider a “traditional” kiwi. The juicy flesh is green, has a sweet and tangy flavour, and is filled with tiny, edible seeds (if pollinated). The large, green kiwi fruit ripen from early to late-October. It is ripe when it yields slightly, under pressure (usually after the first light frost). If the fruits are still not totally ripe (soft enough), and the fall temperatures are getting low (-3 °C or lower), it would be wise to pick the unripened fruits. They will slowly ripen at room temperature. Some growers store them at colder temperatures to keep them longer. Sollisimo Kiwis can be stored until the month of March of the following year.

This fast-growing woody vine can grow large and tall, reaching about 10 m in height. The foliage turns yellow in the fall. Solissimo Kiwi Vine is hardy to zone 7b (-15 °C or 5 °F). For gardeners living in colder areas than zone 7b, it is recommended to plant early in the season to give the plant kiwi time to establish; consider applying mulch around the roots in the fall; and cover at least the basal stems with a winter cover. Alternatively, they can be grown in a large container, that could be and brought into a cold frame greenhouse during the coldest months. Solissimo Female Fuzzy kiwi should start producing fruits on its 3rd year.

Slightly fragrant, white flowers appear in June on previous year’s growth so pruning in the fall or winter is discouraged. Flowers turn into an orange tint in full bloom. While Solissimo Kiwifruit is a self-fertile variety, planting a male nearby, such as Actinidia deliciosa 'Tomuri', could increase fruit production and size. Only one male Kiwi plant is required to pollinate 6 to 8 females.

Native to China, the Green Kiwi or Fuzzy Kiwi, is locally commonly called "Yangtao", meaning "Strawberry-peach".