 |
| How do you grow Actinidia chinensis? |
Commonly known as the 'Chinese Gooseberry' or 'Kiwi Fruit', Actinidia chinensis is a vigorous climbing, deciduous species capable of reaching up to 9 metres in height. Native to northern Yangtze river valley in China, it was introduced to Europe in 1900 by the notable English plant collector Ernest Wilson (1876 – 1930).
It has a dense covering of reddish, hairy shoots and large heart-shaped leaves which can be up to 20 cm wide. The blooms open to a creamy-white colour but fade to a buff-yellow as they mature. The fragrance flowers are produced in clusters over the summer and are approximately 4 cm across. However the most notable feature of Actinidia chinensis are its edible fruits.
Once the flowers have been pollinated, the fruits appear, first green then turning to brown as they mature. They are 4-5 cm long and resemble a large, elongated gooseberry. Even the flavour is somewhat reminiscent of gooseberry. Actinidia chinensis is dioecious (meaning that the male and female flowers appear on different plants) and so to obtain fruit you will need to plant both sexes in near proximity. Only one male plant is necessary for effective pollination although several females can be planted. So how do you grow Actinidia chinensis?
Actinidia chinensis will be happy growing in any ordinary, reasonably drained garden soil, but will perform best in rich loams. Avoid chalky soils, those lacking in humus (although this can be improved prior to planting) and any ground prone to waterlogging.
Plant Actinidia chinensis from November to March in a sunny or partially shaded position against a high wall, tress or purpose-built supporting structures.Pinch out the growing points when young to encourage a spreading habit.
It has a dense covering of reddish, hairy shoots and large heart-shaped leaves which can be up to 20 cm wide. The blooms open to a creamy-white colour but fade to a buff-yellow as they mature. The fragrance flowers are produced in clusters over the summer and are approximately 4 cm across. However the most notable feature of Actinidia chinensis are its edible fruits.
 |
| Actinidia chinensis fruit |
Actinidia chinensis will be happy growing in any ordinary, reasonably drained garden soil, but will perform best in rich loams. Avoid chalky soils, those lacking in humus (although this can be improved prior to planting) and any ground prone to waterlogging.
Plant Actinidia chinensis from November to March in a sunny or partially shaded position against a high wall, tress or purpose-built supporting structures.Pinch out the growing points when young to encourage a spreading habit.
For related articles click onto the following links:
HOW TO GROW ACTINIDIA CHINENSIS
HOW TO GROW ACTINIDIA KOLOMIKTA
HOW TO GROW ACTINIDIA CHINENSIS
HOW TO GROW ACTINIDIA KOLOMIKTA
No comments:
Post a Comment