Description
HARDY RED
Actinidia arguta
Developed by renowned New Zealand horticultural pioneer Ken Nobbs, Hardy Red is an interspecific hybrid between Kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) and the closely-related red – fleshed species (Actinidia melanandra). The approximately 2 inch long torpedo – shaped berries develop an attractive deep burgundy skin color when ripe. The interior flesh similarly develops a striking deep red coloration that complements its unique and pleasing flavor profile of kiwi, cranberry, and cherry.
As one of the only Kiwiberry varieties with a clear visual “cue” for harvesting (skin color), Hardy Red is particularly well suited for pick-your-own operations, a commercial use further favored by its non-sychronous fruit development, with ripe berries available for picking over an extended period of several weeks. The vines are vigorous and yield well under proper management. Hardy Red is more cold-hardy than ‘Kens Red’ another arguta x melanandra hybrid, the plants are recommended to grow successfully in USDA zones 5-7. Suitable male pollinators include Meader, Opitz, Clark, and Fairchild.
Care Info
- Scientific Name:Actinidia arguta
