Hardy Kiwi (MSU Female)
Female
$22.99
MSU Female Hardy Kiwi is a productive cold-hardy kiwi vine developed and evaluated through breeding work at Michigan State University. This vigorous female selection produces abundant crops of smooth-skinned hardy kiwi that can be eaten whole without peeling.
The fruit is sweet, aromatic, and packed with tropical flavor. Hardy kiwis are much smaller than grocery-store kiwis but are often sweeter and easier to eat. Once established, the vines are extremely productive and can produce large harvests each year.
MSU Female vines require a compatible male hardy kiwi for pollination in order to produce fruit.
Key Characteristics
Fruit Quality:
Produces small to medium olive-green fruits with smooth edible skin. The flesh is bright green with a sweet tropical flavor often compared to kiwi, pineapple, and melon.
Harvest Timing:
Typically ripens in early to mid-fall, generally from late September through October, depending on climate.
Yield:
Very productive once established. Vines typically begin producing 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 vine can typically pollinate 6–8 female vines.
Growing Requirements
Hardiness Zones:
Cold hardy in USDA Zones 4–8.
Growth Habit:
A vigorous deciduous climbing vine capable of growing 20–30+ feet long. Requires a sturdy 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:
Because of their vigorous growth, annual pruning is recommended to manage size, maintain plant structure, and encourage strong fruit production.