Actinidia deliciosa is a deciduous Climber growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a medium rate.It is hardy to zone (UK) 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees, insects. The plant is not self-fertile.
The kiwi needs a soil fertile enough to grow well. Bring some compost at the end of Winter, or alternatively a granular-type organic fertilizer. Keep in mind that it would be better to make a compost and to incorporate it by "clawing" the top soil.
Prune after fruiting, typically from December to February, but avoid heavy freezing periods. Keep the most vigorous branches, which will become the framework and the principal trunk. Cut secondary branches that have already produced fruit, leaving only three to four buds.
They are hardy to about -12°c when fully dormant but young growth is very subject to damage by late frosts, being killed back at -2°c
