HARDY RED – 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.
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