Actinidia arguta HARDY KIWI (20 seeds)

Baby kiwi, also known Hardy Kiwi, is a hardy, climbing Asian plant from the Actinidiaceae family, native to Japan, China, and Korea. This fruiting variety is an exceptional perennial vine with rapid growth that can reach up to 2 meters in length per year.

Hardy kiwi seeds come from Actinidia arguta; they are light brown, olive-shaped, rather thin, and measure an average of 2 millimeters in length.

Its slightly fragrant flowers are white, small, self-fertile, and composed of 5 petals.

The foliage is deciduous, with thick and fuzzy leaves similar to those of the common kiwi, measuring an average of 10 to 12 centimeters in length.

Its edible fruits have smooth skin, are very sweet, and measure 2 to 4 cm in length. They are yellow-green or even purple when fully ripe. The harvest of these juicy fruits takes place from September until the end of October.

- Properties:

A Treasure of Gourmet and Convenient Fruit

Acquiring Ethnoplants fresh seeds allows you to grow and harvest mini-kiwis with smooth, edible skin, ready to be eaten whole as soon as they ripen in autumn.
Unlike commercial varieties, this fruit, picked fresh from the vine, offers an intensely sweet and juicy flesh, perfect for enhancing your homemade pies, artisanal jams, or fruit salads with a unique tropical, tangy flavor.

A Decorative Vine for Pergolas and Arbors

Beyond its generous productivity, Actinidia arguta is a vigorous climbing plant that turns your garden structures into true lush retreats.
Thanks to plants grown from Ethnoplants seeds, you benefit from dense foliage and delicately scented spring blooms, perfect for elegantly dressing up a pergola or trellis while creating a natural and aesthetic shaded area.

- Sowing and Germination:

• The most favorable period to sow the Siberian kiwi is from March to early May, as stratification is necessary.
• Sow the seeds in a tray using fine sand and well-sifted horticultural soil.
• Bury them half a centimeter deep and press the soil down well.
• Water delicately using a spray bottle.
• Place the tray in a greenhouse at a temperature between 25 and 30°C.
• Germination will begin within 4 to 6 weeks after stratification.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

The "Russian kiwi" needs mineral-rich and well-draining soil, ideally with a rather acidic pH (heather soil or peat is preferred). Ensure the bottom of the pot is well-drained with gravel to prevent root rot.

- Watering:

It needs water only when the soil is very dry. Mulching the base of the plant is recommended to prevent evaporation. Never drown the plant.

- Light and Exposure:

The plant can be placed in a shaded area or in full sun, but the base of the plant (the roots) should always be kept in the shade. For indoor cultivation, HPS, MH bulbs, or horticultural LEDs are preferred.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

It grows well between 10 and 25°C. Outdoors, the mini-kiwi is very robust, perfectly withstanding negative temperatures down to -25°C.

- Multiplication:

It can be propagated by seed or by cuttings in autumn. For cuttings, dip 15 cm stem sections into willow water to encourage rooting.

- Pests and Diseases:

It has few pests, though slugs or whiteflies may occasionally appear. The foliage can be attacked by powdery mildew, which can be treated with Bordeaux mixture.

- Maintenance:

Like all climbing plants, it requires a solid support; a trellis or a wire fence is perfect for its growth.

This article was written by Julien on 07/11/2026.