Hardy Kiwi (Geneva 3)
Female
$22.99
Out of stock
Geneva 3 Hardy Kiwi is a productive female selection of the hardy kiwi species evaluated at the Geneva Experiment Station in New York. This variety is valued for its reliability, cold hardiness, and high-quality fruit. The vines produce smooth-skinned kiwi berries that can be eaten whole without peeling.
The fruit is medium-sized and olive green with bright green flesh and a sweet tropical flavor. Geneva 3 is also appreciated for its relatively early ripening period, often maturing before some of the more widely known varieties. With proper care and a suitable pollinator, vines can produce heavy crops once established.
Key Characteristics
Fruit Quality:
Produces medium-sized, round to slightly oval kiwi berries with smooth edible skin. The flesh is bright green with a sweet tropical flavor often described as a mix of honey, banana, and strawberry.
Harvest Timing:
An early-to-mid-season variety, typically ripening from late September to early October, often about 10–14 days before ‘Anna’.
Yield:
Highly productive once established. Vines generally begin fruiting in year 3–4, with mature plants capable of producing 50–100 lbs of fruit annually under good growing conditions.
Pollination:
This is a female variety and requires a compatible male hardy kiwi for fruit production.
Compatible male pollinators:
✔ Meader Male Hardy Kiwi
✔ Fairchild Male Hardy Kiwi
One male plant can typically pollinate 6–8 female vines.
Growing Requirements
Hardiness Zones:
Cold hardy in USDA Zones 4–8, tolerating winter temperatures as low as -25°F to -30°F once established. Late spring frosts may damage new shoots.
Growth Habit:
A vigorous deciduous climbing vine capable of growing 20–30+ feet long. Plants require a strong support structure such as a trellis, arbor, pergola, or fence.
Soil & Sun:
Performs best in full sun with well-drained soil. Hardy kiwis prefer fertile soil and consistent moisture but do not tolerate standing water.
Maintenance:
Due to its vigorous growth, annual pruning is recommended to control size, maintain plant structure, and encourage heavy fruit production.