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Help My Male Hardy Kiwi is Fruiting? #633832

Asked May 10, 2020, 9:02 PM EDT

Hello, Thank you in advance for your help. I was hoping you could assist with some kiwi issues I'm having. About 5 years ago I planted a female (Ken's Red) and male (Arctic Beauty) kiwi vine. I was really excited because they both had flower buds this year, and so I thought it would be my first year of fruit. Now, I'm not so sure. The female hasn't bloomed yet, and the male is done blooming. Here is the funny part though. The "male" flowers resembled female flowers - not male flowers - and I think they might have fruit setting (see image attached) since there are little green balls forming at the base of the flower. My questions are: 1) Based on the attached photo is this actually fruiting? 2) I have the tag from the plant (attached) - but if it's fruiting I don't think the tag is accurate. Any ideas on what it might be? I was thinking maybe issai but the flowers had yellow pollen-like stuff not black. Any thoughts? 3) If my kiwi vines are not likely to pollinate each other - do you have a recommendation for what to get as a pollinator? If there is a variety that is likely to be mature enough on the sooner side, that would be best. I really don't want to wait another 5 years for fruit... Thanks again for your help! Best, Kathleen

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for the images.

Online descriptions of Kiwi kolomitka 'Arctic Beauty' state it is grown both for its ornamental value and edible fruit. So, your 'Arctic Beauty' is doing what it is supposed to do in spite of the label.

The suggested pollinator for 'Ken's Red' is a "hardy male" which refers to Kiwi arguta, not 'Arctic Beauty. Perhaps you might contact the vendor to ask if they have a pollinator available. If not, consider phoning  local garden centers to ask the same question.







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