Family Actinidiaceae.
Garden Origin.
- Large, lush green leaves create a bold tropical canopy on vigorous stems.
- Sweet, full-sized kiwi fruit develop after fragrant white flowers in summer.
- Self-fertile and vigorous, perfect for growing your own kiwi on walls or strong supports.
The Self-Fertile Kiwi Fruit in Your Garden
Thick, heart-shaped leaves unfurl to form a dense green screen. Creamy white flowers with a delicate fragrance appear in early summer. Later, the brown, fuzzy fruits swell and ripen, revealing bright green flesh with a sweet, tropical flavour.
Actinidia ‘Solo’ is a vigorous self-fertile kiwi, hardy in all but the coldest northerly or central UK gardens. It grows strongly and can reach up to 8m tall and wide in 5 – 10 years. Simple pruning controls its rampant nature, making it possible to grow in smaller gardens. Alternatively, in larger gardens in Norfolk and Suffolk, ‘let it off the leash’ with a strong support structure.
The foliage is large and attractive with a lush tropical appearance. The flowers are creamy-white and produce a light honey scent. Full-sized fruits have furry brown skin and juicy, sweet green flesh. Because it is self-fertile, even a single plant can produce a good crop.
Growing Tips for Your Actinidia deliciosa ‘Solo’
- Soil and sun: any non-alkaline soil that is not heavy & wet in winter in full sun. preferably in shelter from cold wind & late frosts.
- Planting: at any time of year. Never plant a dry plant! Plunge for 10 minutes to drench the root ball before planting. Do not add soil improvers.
- Watering: Moderate; tolerates dry spells established. Water regularly in the first summer while rooting out.
- Pruning: Prune in winter to control size and encourage fruiting wood. Remove overcrowded stems.
Actinidia ‘Solo’ was bred for home gardeners who want an easier way to grow kiwi fruit. Its self-fertile nature removes the need for a second pollinator plant. With good summer sun and winter protection on a strong support, this vigorous vine brings the satisfaction of harvesting your own sweet kiwi fruit from a British garden.
