Actinidia chinensis 'Yellow Queen' (female)

Yellow Queen Golden Kiwi (Actinidia chinensis 'Yellow Queen') is a deciduous woody vine that is desired for its sweet, delicious, edible fruit.

Large, oval-shaped fruit with golden bronze coloured, smooth, edible skin. Golden Kiwi Fruits measure 2 to 3" long (5 to 8 cm). The juicy golden flesh is filled with tiny edible seeds, smaller than most green kiwis (Actinidia deliciosa). 'Yellow Queen' is especially sweet with hints of tropical flavors of mango and pineapple. It is less acidic than other varieties of green kiwi; and is great in deserts and salads.

Yellow Kiwi is also very healthful, being rich in vitamins and minerals; such as, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Fruits ripen between late September and October, usually after the first light frost. they are ripe when it they give slightly when under pressure.

This fast-growing woody vine can grow large and tall, reaching about 10 m in height. This vine is hardy to zone 7b (-15 °C or 5 °F). For gardeners living in colder areas than zone 7b, it is recommended that you plant it early in the season to give the plant time to establish; consider mulching around the roots in the fall; and cover at least the basal stems with a winter cover. Alternatively, it can also be grown in a large container that could be brought into a cold frame greenhouse during the coldest months.

The large, slightly fragrant, white flowers are more attractive than other kiwi species. They appear between May and June on previous years’ growth. It may take several years after planting to produce fruits. Yellow Queen Golden Kiwi is a female variety (Actinidia chinensis Female) and will need a male, such as Actinidia chinensis ‘Minkimale’ to pollinate it, and produce fruits. Actinidia deliciosa ‘Tomuri’ could be used as a pollinator (some references mention ‘Tomuri’ as a potential male pollinator). Only one male Kiwi plant is required to pollinate 6 to 8 Female Golden Kiwi Fruit.

Apart from their vibrant yellow flesh, Golden Kiwis have overall smaller seeds, a more tropical taste, are sweeter, less acidic, and less hairy than the traditional green kiwi fruits (fuzzy kiwis).

While there is not much data concerning the growth of Actindia chinensis (golden kiwis) in colder climates, some references indicate that it might be better suited to grow in colder climates than the traditional green kiwis. They bloom slightly earlier than green kiwis (Actinidia deliciosa), and they may even be hardy in zone 6. We have listed them as hardy to zone 7b (-15 °C), but they could be hardier.