Family: Actinidiaceae
Scientific name: Actinidia purpurea
Common name: Red kiwi
Origin: Eastern Asia / Western China

A rare red kiwi species that is fully hardy and thrives in tempered and subtropical climates. It’s a strong grower that can grow up to 10 meters without pruning. The species is dioecious, which is why both a male and female plant are required to pollinate the plant and grow kiwi’s. It’s possible to grow a male and female plant together between their vines.

The flowering occurs in June and around September you can harvest the cranberry red, sweet kiwi’s. This variety is best placed in sunlight for the best fruiting.
 
Sowing description:
Keep the seeds in the refrigerator for the first 4-8 weeks , then sow them in sowing soil at 20 degrees Celsius. If there is no germination after a few weeks, you can re-refrigerate the seeds. After 4-8 weeks, take the seeds out again and keep them in a warm space or environment.

With the transition from cold (winter) to heat (spring), the period of dormancy has to be broken. It’s possible that multiple cold periods are required to do so. It can be quite hard to get this species to germinate.

Sowing time: November - June
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -20 degrees Celsius