Actinidia record description. Actinidia. Actinidia: how to distinguish a male plant from a female

Actinidia is a popular plant in the subtropical zone; it belongs to the genus of shrub vines. Actinidia kolomikta and its varieties for the Moscow region, photos of which are presented in the article, are known for their delicious fruits. Many varieties are suitable even for the harsh Russian climate, and their characteristics will be outlined a little below.

Characteristic features of Actinidia kolomikta

Thanks to the work of breeders, such a strange plant as Actinidia kolomikta is successfully grown and bears fruit even in the regions of the Russian Federation. This species is frost-resistant, tolerant of the harsh conditions of our climate zone and is quite unpretentious in care.

Externally, Actinidia kolomikta resembles a vine with weaving branches and large heart-shaped leaves. The color scheme of the foliage is not constant and changes depending on the time of year. Flowering of actinidia begins in mid-May and can last for several weeks; the flowers are of non-standard shape and have a pleasant fragrant aroma. The plant bears fruit from August, but often this phase drags on until October.

Actinidia fruits contain a whole range of vitamins and nutrients:

• vitamins C, P, group B;
• citric, malic, oxalic acids;
• glucose;
• polyphenols;
• biologically active substances.

Actinidia kolomikta holds the record for vitamin C content, leaving lemon and blackcurrant far behind.

As preparations for the winter, many housewives grind the fruits with sugar or dry them. However, when consuming, you should take into account the fact that the berries have a strong laxative effect, and dose their consumption.

Actinidia kolomikta is a dioecious plant; there are male and female types. When planting in a garden plot, it is necessary to place male and female plants side by side so that the crop yield is full. Propagated by cuttings, which are most optimally planted in the ground in spring.

The best varieties of actinidia kolomikta for the Moscow region

The climatic conditions of the Moscow region are quite harsh. There are frosts in spring and winter and dry summer days. The optimal zone for cultivating actinidia kolomikta is the southern regions, but with the help of the efforts of breeders, some varieties of tropical plants are suitable for cultivation in the Moscow region; the presented photos of each of them will help gardeners determine whether they belong to a specific variety.

• Dr. Szymanowski;
• Adam;
• September;
• Vitacola;
• Gourmand.

Actinidia kolomikta Doctor Szymanowski is a variety of plant with small oval-shaped berries that ripen in August. It is advisable to plant this variety in a sunny place, but not under direct scorching rays; the presence of light shade is required. The berries have a well-defined aroma of apple and pineapple.

Actinidia kolomikta Adam is an ornamental variety with unusually colored foliage, which blooms green, turns white by the end of spring, and becomes pink by autumn, the color saturation constantly increasing. This variety loves sunny, low-wind places and is perfect for use for design purposes when creating gazebos, arches, and landscaping balconies and loggias. Adam is a male type of Actinidia kolomikta. During flowering, it is covered with small white inflorescences, emitting a pleasant aroma similar to the smell of lemon. The variety grows very quickly, reaching a height of four meters.

Actinidia kolomikta September is a frost-resistant species that can withstand temperatures down to 40 C. It is characterized by high yield, greenish-yellow fruits have a pleasant taste. For pollination, it is recommended to plant Adam variety near actinidia. The plant spreads along the ground or twines around trees and installed supports.

Actinidia kolomikta Vitacola - the variety has large oblong fruits, collected in clusters of two or three berries. Vitacola begins to ripen in stages by mid-August. The leaves have an inherent decorative color in white-green or pink tones. The plant begins to bear fruit in the third year after planting in open ground, it is of the female type, and grows to a height of three to four meters.

Actinidia kolomikta Gourmand is distinguished by its large berries. The fruits are cylindrical, bright green in color with white stripes, and have a rich pineapple aroma. Ripening time occurs in August-September.

Features of caring for actinidia kolomikta

A distinctive feature of Actinidia kolomikta is its frost resistance, but to ensure safe wintering it is necessary to additionally cover the plant in late autumn. Given the culture’s love for branching, it should be provided with additional supports.

It is preferable to choose soil with an admixture of clay or sand so that it is loose and quickly moistened. It is recommended to plant actinidia in early May, maintaining a distance of at least two meters between plants. The top layers of soil should be enriched with humus or rotted soil. For good fertility, you should regularly feed the crop with nitrogen-containing compounds.

It is necessary to organize watering of actinidia kolomikta by airborne droplets in the evening; on hot days, be sure to additionally moisten the soil around the plant. Loosening should be carried out frequently, followed by mulching of the tree trunk area.

Actinidia rhizomes are well developed and located shallow underground. This fact should be taken into account when loosening the soil so as not to damage the roots.

Interesting information about actinidia kolomikta - video

Magnificent actinidia, native to the Far East, have been cultivated for many years throughout Russia. They attract garden lovers not only with their decorative charm, but also with their harvest of healing and tasty berries. The perennial shrub vine belongs to the genus Actinidia and has been cultivated as a crop since the mid-19th century.

The decorative nature of the tree-like vine (sometimes the trunk diameter reaches 6 cm) is explained by its luxurious color scheme, which changes during spring, summer and autumn.

At the beginning of spring, shoots with bright golden leaves appear; as they grow, they change color to green, and just before flowering, the tips of the leaves turn white. The metamorphosis with coloring does not end there. After flowering, they gradually turn pink and turn scarlet. The coming autumn will add its own colors, and the vine will amaze with the intensity of shades: pink, yellow, purple. The sunny the place chosen for the plant, the brighter the riot of colors.

Thin, oblong, oval leaves are attached to the trunk by petioles, sometimes reaching 5-7 centimeters. The leaves sometimes grow up to 10-13 cm.

Actinidia blooms with medium-sized white or pinkish fragrant flowers for three weeks. They are collected in compact brushes.

The plant does not bloom until it is 5 years old - the vine is gaining strength. But in the sixth year he will thank the gardener in full. Curly branches, climbing to great heights, will be covered with delicate flowers, beautifully arranged along the entire length. However, fruiting will begin only in the 10th year of life.

Actinidia fruits are medium-sized, bright green with longitudinal stripes, elliptical in shape. The largest ones grow up to 3 centimeters in length. Juicy, sweet, aromatic berries are full of seeds. The harvest is ready at the end of August - mid-September.

There is debate among culture lovers about whether actinidia is self-fertile. Some argue that such varieties do not exist completely, and the plant should be planted at the rate of two males per 5-6 females. However, this statement is not true.

There are species of actinidia that do not require pollinators.

Varieties and types

The most frost-resistant variety, beloved in central Russia. He is not afraid of frosts down to minus 45 degrees! The liana does not grow more than 5 meters. Feels comfortable on support.

This variety requires pollination by a male plant. For every 8-10 female plants, one male plant is planted. A 10-year-old plant will produce a harvest. From one vine you can get about five kilograms of berries. The fruits are extremely tasty and healthy.

The variety does not require periodic replanting to a new location. Active growth and fruiting continues for almost 50 years.

Actinidia kolomikta reproduces in three ways:

1. cuttings - (10-15 cm long with the lower leaves removed, planted at an angle in a damp mixture of sand and peat, the place should be in the shade), survival rate is approximately 50%;
2. layering - (healthy shoots are bent to the ground and sprinkled with soil; next year they can be separated and transplanted to a new place);
3. seeds - (prepared seeds, after being kept in the cold for two months, can be sown. They will germinate in boxes at room temperature, after which they are transferred to the air, but they can only be transplanted into the ground in the next season).

Actinidia of this species differ significantly from Kolamikta. The species has several varieties. A powerful vine will delight you with a harvest of small sweet kiwis, but the decorative effect of the species is much more modest.

This long-lived plant (lives about 80 years) grows to enormous sizes and begins to bear fruit at the age of 5.

Issai

Self-fertile variety. It can also pollinate other actinidia, for example, Pineapple, Veiki and others. The very name of the variety speaks of its Japanese origin. Issai fruits are medium in size - up to 4 cm, with a very pleasant sweet and sour taste.

Gardeners love this variety for its good survival rate and the appearance of crops in the first or second year. The liana does not grow to large sizes, most often it does not exceed 3 meters in length.

Winter hardiness down to -25 degrees C. In summer it suffers from drought and, at the same time, from the close occurrence of groundwater. This will cause root rot.

Pineapple

A winter-hardy vine up to 10 meters in size, it produces a rich harvest and is considered by gardeners to be one of the best of this species (Arguta). It grows and bears fruit equally well both in the sun and in partial shade.

The fruiting period begins in the 3rd or 4th year. The fruits are small (up to 3 cm), but their pineapple aroma overshadows everything. The plant is female and requires pollination. Only loose soil is suitable, without alkali and groundwater. Requires watering and fertilizer. It is difficult to tolerate drought; this will affect the future harvest, as well as the wintering of the plant.

The variety is propagated, like all actinidia, by cuttings, layering and seeds. In the second year, the vine will need any support. Since the plant is very decorative, it can be planted near the wall of the house. There are no aerial roots - no need to worry about the safety of the plaster.

Purple

Beautiful bright red fruits (up to 5 cm in size) look impressive against the background of dark green oblong leaves. The liana is also good during the flowering period. In addition to beauty, the variety has excellent taste. Ripening occurs at the end of September - later.

Of all the actinidia that are grown in the central zone, this one is the least frost-resistant. The plant is female, therefore it requires a male specimen of the same species (Arguta) nearby. It is best to plant a seedling near any support - a fence or mesh, a pole, a special picket fence.

The ideal place for planting is a sunny, wind-free corner. The soil should be moist, but without stagnant water. Purple makes an exquisite jam, but the berry will bring the greatest benefits fresh or frozen.

Jumbo

Italian scientific breeders created a variety with large fruits (about 6 cm) of light green color. Usually the vine, reaching 8 meters in length, begins to bear fruit in the third year with excellent taste and sweet berries. In addition, this particular variety is well preserved after harvesting (in September).

Winter-hardy, withstands frosts of about -30 degrees, does not require shelter. Female variety. Requires pollination. For five female vines, one male vine is enough.

During the flowering period it emits a delicate aroma. The variety grows best in a sunny area without drafts; it requires support, otherwise the vine, which grows several meters per season, will turn into thickets on the ground.

Far Eastern

Another type of actinidia. All of them, without exception, are distinguished by powerful vines. Growing in the wild nature of Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands and Primorye, in mixed and coniferous forests, they reach gigantic sizes. Twisting around trees, they continue to spread along the ground in search of a new support tree. They are dioecious and therefore require male pollination.

They bloom with white, pink or golden flowers. The fruits are green in color, have excellent taste and high healing properties.

The beautiful kiwi fruit, also an actinidia (Chinese), has become familiar to all city residents. Not everyone knows that it was only brought to New Zealand from China in the 20th century! While the diversity of actinidia has been known since the mid-19th century.

Russian gardens appreciated the usefulness of the fruits, the decorativeness of the plant, ease of care, and most importantly, the healing qualities and savory desserts made from the berries. Year after year, the number of seedlings in nurseries across the country increases due to the growing demand for them.

Actinidia is a spectacular decorative vine that has many names: self-fertile, pineapple, holly, kiwi. The plant can serve as a garden decoration. The fruits it produces are edible, have a good taste and aroma and contain useful microelements and vitamins. Fruits every year. Productivity is stable and high.

Description of the vine

Actinidia is a plant from the genus of woody vines of the Actinidiaceae family; it can be found in the wild in Russia. The Far East, Primorsky Krai, the forests of these regions are decorated with this liana.

Since the middle of the last century, breeders have developed many varieties that are winter-hardy, high-yielding, and capable of bearing fruit in temperate climates. They are successfully grown by amateur gardeners in their garden plots.

The plant is a shrubby vine. The height largely depends on the variety; the longest representatives grow more than 20 meters. The liana is original with its variegated leaves. Variegation is a rare phenomenon for plants in temperate climates. The leaves fall in early autumn.

Flowering begins in early June. The diameter of the flowers and their color are different for different varieties. The size varies from 10 to 30 mm. The color is most often white, but there are species with yellow or orange flowers. There is no smell.

The fruit ripening period is two months. They start collecting in August. The size of the berries is quite large, the average weight is up to 20 grams. The taste of juicy, sweet and sour fruits is wonderful. The average bush produces up to 20 kilograms of berries per season. Fruiting begins in the fourth year after planting and lasts twenty or more years.

The plant is used to decorate gardens as an element of vertical gardening. Actinidia is decorative all year round. The leaf color is bright green in early summer and turns almost red in August. In autumn the bush turns yellow.

Kinds

There are many species of actinidia. Only forty of them have a description. Species most characteristic of temperate climates:

1. Kolomikta.
2. Arguta.
3. Polygamous.
4. Giraldi.
5. Purple.
6. Hybrid.

Kolomikta

The Kolomikta vine can be found in the wild in China, Korea, the Japanese Islands, Russia and the Far East; it has been used in gardening since the end of the 20th century. Actinidia kolomikta become most decorative in good light conditions. Large ovoid leaves change color during the growing season: first with a shade of bronze, later green, turning white before flowering, then turning pink, then becoming crimson, and in the fall lilac.

Plants of this species are grown on supports. They grow up to 10 meters. The trunk diameter of an adult plant is 50 mm, the bark is red-brown. The flowers are not attractive. Blooms for 20 days. The first flowers appear after June 15th. Actinidia kolomikta are dioecious plants. The female plant is characterized by single flowers, the male plant is covered with inflorescences.

The plant produces dark green berries. The shape is elliptical. The size is small. The large fruit is 30 mm long. The harvest is harvested in several stages. The fruiting period lasts a little less than a month, beginning at the end of August. One bush produces fruit from 4 to 7 kilograms.

Kolomikta fruits that have not reached ripeness are hard and not tasty; it is not recommended to try them; they can burn you. The pulp of the ripe berry is tender, aromatic, sweet and slightly sour. The taste of the berries resembles the taste of kiwi.

Frost resistance is good, not afraid of forty-degree frosts. However, it does not tolerate spring frosts. Shoots and flower buds die at a slight minus. A shelter made of lutrasil saves the harvest.

Favorite varieties:

Pineapple. High-yielding variety. The length of the fruit is three centimeters, they have an oval shape, the color is green, the sides are slightly red. The taste of the berries is very similar to the taste of pineapple.

Doctor Szymanowski. The variety is mid-late, frost-resistant, belongs to the variegated varieties, the fruits are green, the average weight of the berries is about 3 grams, the length is 25 mm. The berries have a sweet and sour taste, with an apple-pineapple aroma typical of them.

Gourmand. This variety was developed quite recently. Refers to varieties with medium ripening periods. The fruits are quite large, can be 30 mm long, weigh about 6 g, and have a sweet and sour pineapple taste.

There are many more interesting varieties related to this type of actinidia:

• Moma;
• Folk;
• Waffle;
• Homestead;
• Festive;
• I have a sweet tooth.

Arguta

Actinidia acute Issai or Actinidia arguta "Issai"

Arguta is another type of actinidia vine. A powerful plant with a thick gray stem. The height is more than twenty meters. The leaves are a uniform green color. Large white flowers with a slight green tint.

The fruits produced by plants of this species can weigh up to seven grams, contain tender pulp, have a sweet and sour taste, and look like small apples. They do not lose their shape during transportation. The liana produces a large harvest. The frost resistance of the variety is low.

This type of actinidia was used by breeders. The varieties bred on its basis delight with large fruits and tolerate frost well. There are varieties with an original sharp taste of berries.

Varieties of this species ripen together and are not subject to shedding.

Firebird. Late ripening variety. The fruits grow large, their weight can reach six grams, and they have a sharp, burning taste. The pulp emits an aroma reminiscent of pepper.

Spindle. Late ripening variety. Fruit weight is about 7 grams. The taste is original sweet-pepper, the flesh is aromatic, the smell is reminiscent of figs.

Healing. Late ripening variety. The fruits contain a large amount of carotene, the average weight of the berry is 4 grams. The peculiar taste is reminiscent of figs and sweet peppers.

A rare species is the polygamous actinidia, another name for the big-nosed one. The liana can be found in the south of Primorsky Krai, on the islands of Kunashir and Sakhalin. The liana has a thin trunk of 20 mm, which can reach six meters in length. The fruits are orange and bitter.

The leaves are large, oval in shape; during the flowering period of the vines, the edges become white. The flowers are large white, fragrant. Flowering period is July. The shape of the berries is oblong, the color is orange, the taste is sharp, the harvest period is September. It is recommended to consume only fruits that have reached full ripeness. Frozen berries are characterized by a lack of bitterness.

Apricot. The variety ripens late, is characterized by relative frost resistance, and is resistant to diseases. The berries are slightly flattened on the sides, long, average weight 6 grams, sweet and sour taste.

Variety Beauty. Tolerates winter frosts well and is not susceptible to diseases. Fragrant fruits, yellow-green in color, weight slightly less than 4 grams, sour taste.

Variety Patterned. The fruits are orange in color with longitudinal stripes and have a cylindrical shape. Ripens late. The berries resemble figs in taste and aroma, and there is a taste of pepper.

Giraldi

Actinidia Giraldi Native

Another type of actinidia is Giraldi. This vine has stems reaching a length of up to 10 meters, covered with dark green leaves, the bottom of which is lighter. Flowering begins in July. The harvest is harvested in early September.

The fruits of this species are larger, weighing up to 11 grams. The berries have a sweet taste without acid. The pulp is aromatic, with notes of pineapple and apple.

Variety Tuzemka. It ripens late, the fruits are round-barrel-shaped, green in color, weigh up to 8 grams, and length up to 2 centimeters. The taste of the berries is sweet, with a strong aroma of pineapple and apple. Winters well.

Variety Juliana. Ripens late. The berries have a shape slightly flattened on the sides, their weight reaches 15 g, they are sweet in taste, aromatic, and green in color.

Variety Alevtina. The fruits are green, large, flattened, weight from 10 to 20 grams, sweet, complex aroma with notes of apple, strawberry, pineapple.

Purple

The species Purple actinidia is found in China, in the forests of its central part. The height of the vines is 8 meters, the trunk is flexible, covered with climbing shoots with oval-shaped leaves, the lower part of which is lighter. The color of the plates is monophonic.

Blooms profusely. The fruits are large, purple in color, the skin is smooth, the flesh is juicy and sweet. Known varieties of this species:

• Candy.
• Kyiv large-fruited.
• Purple garden.

Variety Purple garden. Late ripening. Frost resistance is weak. The average fruit weight is up to 6 grams. The berries are painted in an even dark purple color, have an oval shape with a blunt tip.

Variety Candy. Ripens late. The fruits are green, weigh about 8 grams, sweet in taste, caramel aroma.

Variety Souvenir. Large greenish-red fruits, weighing 8 grams, sweet in taste, complex aroma with notes of figs, caramel, and fruit.

Selection of seedlings

You need to purchase seedlings from nurseries or specialized stores. Seedlings sold in containers take root easier; their root system is closed and not subject to mechanical damage or drying out. Before purchasing, check the condition of the trunk and shoots for damage or diseases.

It is better to choose young plants; actinidia older than three years are not worth buying. Actinidia is a dioecious plant; it is necessary to plant a female and a male seedling. Without a pollinator there will be no berries.

Selecting a location, preparation

The choice of place for planting actinidia must be taken seriously; it grows and bears fruit for a long time if it is properly cared for and planted in a convenient place. It is good to plant actinidia on the south or east side of buildings, this protects from north winds.

The liana tolerates partial shade, but the fruits ripen better in the sun. Choose sunny areas with partial shade in the middle of the day.

Soil composition is important. Loams are not suitable. Loves loose, moist, well-drained soil. Close groundwater is contraindicated. Plant the vine no closer than two meters to the walls of the house, 1.5 m to the fence. Provide a support next to the actinidia.

This could be the wall of a house, a gazebo, or a fence. A plant planted next to an arch or trellis looks more decorative. It is more convenient to grow on an arch-shaped trellis, easier to collect fruits and trim.

In winter, the vine is not removed from its support.

Landing

Planting of seedlings is carried out in the spring. Two-year or three-year-old seedlings are used. The planting hole is dug to a depth of 50 cm and a width of 60 cm. Good drainage is needed. Suitable:

• Crushed stone;
• Expanded clay;
• The brick is broken.

The volume of the pit is filled with a mixture consisting of:

• Humus;
• Compost;
• Peat;
• Mineral fertilizers.

You will have to plant at least two plants, the gap between them should be at least 2 meters. A hill is formed from the fertile mixture, on which the seedling is placed, spreading the roots.

When filling the hole, keep an eye on so that the root collar is two centimeters above the surface of the earth.

The planting hole is spilled with water, the tree trunk circle is covered with mulching materials, this can be: peat, humus.

When the soil settles, check the level of the root collar again. There is no need to make a hole around the circumference of the trunk; the vine does not like stagnant water. There is no need to prune the seedling before or after planting. Cover the plant with fabric, creating shading, so it grows better. You can open it after two weeks. The plant will have taken root by this point.

Actinidia planting and care: video

Care

Basic requirements for caring for actinidia:

1. Regular watering of the vine, the soil should be moist, but the water should not stagnate in the circle around the trunk.
2. Morning and evening spraying of leaves with water.
3. Weed removal. Loosening the top layer of soil, carefully without damaging the roots.
4. In June, fertilize using prepared mullein infusion.
5. In the fall, they prepare for winter by covering the vine with leaves or branches.
6. Next year we need to build a support at least two meters high. The two most powerful shoots are selected and the rest are cut out. The vines are tied to a support.

Formation

Formation of a young bush

Avoid crown overgrowth by using formative pruning. The first pruning is carried out when the plants reach four years of age. Pruning is carried out in the summer, the branches that remain are distributed on a trellis. It is recommended to pinch the ends of the shoots to limit growth.

Two first-order branches are left, the rest are removed. The branches are attached to the support. They cannot be crossed. Next summer they will grow shoots. Fruit formation will take place on them. They are initially tied to a support, then they themselves wrap around it.

Anti-aging pruning is done eight years after planting. The liana is cut off, leaving a stump 0.4 m high. It is better to do this in late autumn. Dry and weak branches are removed throughout the season.

Reproduction

Even novice gardeners do not have problems with the reproduction of actinidia. The liana can be propagated by any of these methods, choosing the most convenient one:

• arc layers;
• cuttings;
• lignified cuttings;
• seeds.

Plants obtained from cuttings or layering produce a harvest already in the fourth year, grown from seeds only after seven years.

By layering

The easiest way to reproduce is by layering. After the first leaves appear, inspect the plant, bend the longest strong shoot to the ground, pin it, and cover it with a ten-centimeter layer of soil. In summer, water the shoot regularly and remove weeds around it. In the fall, you can plant the cuttings in a permanent place.

Green cuttings

In June, propagation can be carried out using green cuttings. For cuttings, annual branches at least 0.5 meters long are suitable. It is better to harvest cuttings in the morning. Cut the cut shoots into cuttings, leaving three buds and two internodes on each. Thus, you need to prepare the required number of 15 centimeter cuttings.

The bottom of the cutting is cut diagonally at an angle, the top is cut straight, 4 cm above the bud. Seedlings can be rooted in greenhouses and greenhouses. They need to be planted obliquely, with the middle bud placed flush with the ground. Maintain distances: in a row between cuttings 50 mm; between two rows 100 mm.

All summer it should be watered regularly and shaded on hot, sunny days.

Before the start of winter, cover the plantings with leaves.

In early spring, before the buds bloom, transplant the seedlings to a place prepared for plant growth.

Lignified cuttings

Can be propagated by woody cuttings. They are cut at the end of autumn, tied together in several pieces, placed in boxes, and covered with sand. Store in a cool room, the air temperature in it should not exceed 5 C. In the spring, plant it in a nursery. Care is the same as when propagating from green cuttings.

Seeds

You can obtain seeds for propagation from a ripe fruit. They need to be washed well and dried. Store in a dry place in the shade. Seeds should be sown in early December.

Before planting, soak the seeds in water for four days. Change the water every day. Pour them into a gauze bag and place it in a container filled with sand.

Keep the container at room temperature for a month, then take it outside, bury it in the snow, and leave it there for another two months.

Then remove the bag of seeds from the sand and keep it in a room at a temperature of 12 degrees. When the seeds hatch, sow them in a pot. Transplantation into the greenhouse is done when the fourth leaf appears.

Diseases and pests

Actinidia are little susceptible to diseases and pest damage. Proper care eliminates problems. But some diseases can harm the vine. Diseases to which actinidia is susceptible include powdery mildew and gray mold, as well as fruit rot. These diseases are treated with Bordeaux mixture. Spraying sick plants.

Pests that attack the liana: leaf beetle, leaf beetle larva, moth caterpillar. To protect the plant from pests, you need to cultivate the soil around the vine:

• remove garbage
• fallen leaves,
• water the soil with a solution of Bordeaux mixture.

Cats are the enemies of actinidia

Cats are very fond of the juice of young shoots of actinidia. Its action is similar to that of valerian. Cats chew the shoot at the base and lick the juice. They can destroy all young plantings. Plants can be protected by installing a mesh fence, or by tying rags soaked in creosote to the trunks of young plants.

Is it possible to grow kiwi from seeds?

Buy a ripe fruit, get about twenty seeds, rinse well, there should be no pulp left on them. Place the seeds in a container, add water, and place in a warm place. Good seeds will begin to hatch in about seven days.

Take a cloth, wet it, spread the seeds on it, place the cloth in a plastic bag, tie the bag, put it in a warm place. In three days, sprouts should appear. Fill the planting containers with a mixture of: peat, soil, sand. Place the seeds on moist soil and lightly sprinkle with soil. Cover with PVC film.

When several true leaves appear, plant the plants in larger containers. Care for it like any other indoor plant: water and fertilize on time. Make sure there is enough light.

Actinidia in the Moscow region

Actinidia can be grown in places with winter temperatures of at least 20°C. If there is a lot of snow in winter, it can grow in the Urals and some Siberian regions. A number of varieties have been developed that grow in the Moscow region and do not require additional shelter. The most popular varieties for the Moscow region are resistant to frost and drought:

• Festive;
• Apricot;
• Folk;
• University;
• Commander;
• Fantasy gardens.

Actinidia in the Leningrad region

In the Leningrad region, varieties bred from representatives of the species Actinidia kolomica can grow. These are mainly varieties with medium ripening periods and are winter-hardy. Most often, gardeners purchase varieties:

• Gourmand;
• Sugar;
• Sweet tooth;
• Fantasy;
• Festival;
• Leningradskaya late;

Gardeners in the Leningrad region have a frequent problem - freezing of the tops of unripe shoots. In Siberia and the Urals I also prefer to grow varieties of the species Actinidia kolomikta.

Benefits of actinidia fruits

Ripe actinidia fruits contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals. All parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes: berries, flowers, bark, leaves. They are used as an additional treatment for diseases:

• Scurvy;
• Anemia;
• Tuberculosis;
• Rheumatism;

Actinidia is an unpretentious decorative vine that will not only decorate any garden, but will also give you tasty, healthy fruits.

Actinidia is a woody vine of the Actinidiaceae family. The name of the plant translates as ray. In the natural environment it is found in Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, and the Far East. China is considered the homeland.

It has been cultivated in European countries since 1958. Actinidia deliciosa is a plant whose fruit is the well-known kiwi. In gardens of the temperate climate zone, species are grown that produce smaller fruits and are not so hairy.

Botanical description

They are perennial deciduous. The stems need support. The leaves are whole, smooth or leathery, and have a variegated color - the main reason for the decorative nature of the plant. Flowers of white, golden yellow, or orange color appear in the axils of the leaves, they are arranged in 1-3 pieces. Flowers are fragrant only in some species.

Actinidia kolomikta ‘Dr Szymanowski’ in bloom photo

The actinidia fruit is a valuable food product. It is rich in sugars, ascorbic acid, and other biologically active substances. They are consumed fresh, they are used to make jam, wine, and dried berries are similar to raisins. Actinidia is increasingly gaining popularity in gardening.

Male and female actinidia

The plant is dioecious, so to produce fruit it is necessary to have male and female actinidia on the site. Sex is determined by the structure of the flower: males have many stamens, but no pistil; female flowers have a large pistil surrounded by stamens containing sterile pollen (not involved in pollination). Pollen from male plants reaches female plants with the help of insects and wind.

How does actinidia reproduce?

Vegetative and seed propagation is possible. Actinidia grown from seeds are more hardy, but varietal characteristics are most often not transmitted, and you will only find out the sex of the plant during flowering, which occurs in the 7th year of life. With vegetative propagation, flowering will occur in the 3-4th year.

By layering

Reproduction by layering is a simple and reliable method.

• In the spring, when the young leaves have already opened, you should choose a long, well-developed shoot.
• Tilt it towards the ground, pin it and sprinkle it with a layer of soil 10-15 cm thick, the top of the shoot should be above the ground.
• Mulch the mound with sawdust and humus.
• Water regularly, remove weeds, when a young shoot appears, spray it.
• In the fall, or at least next spring, the young sprout will be ready to be separated from the mother plant and planted in a permanent place.

Actinidia propagation by cuttings

Reproduction is the fastest and easiest way to reproduce.

Green cuttings

• Root green cuttings in June. Select several annual branches 0.5-1 m long, cut them into pieces 10-15 cm long. Each cutting should contain 2 internodes and 3 growth buds.
• The cut under the lower bud should be at an angle of 45º, the upper one should be straight, 4-5 cm above the bud.
• Remove the lower leaves along with the petioles, and shorten the upper ones by half their length.
• Root in water, a greenhouse, greenhouse or directly in the garden bed.
• In the latter case, the cuttings are covered with 2 layers of gauze: spray daily 3-5 times a day, in cloudy weather in the morning and evening, remove the gauze, completely get rid of it after a couple of weeks.
• The soil needs a neutral or slightly acidic reaction, to which humus, river sand and complex mineral fertilizer (100 g per m²) should be added.
• Place the cutting at an angle of 60º, the middle bud should remain at the level of the soil surface. Compact the soil and water well.
• Cover with fallen leaves for the winter. With the onset of spring (before the buds begin to bloom), transplant to a permanent place of growth.

Lignified cuttings

Can be rooted. Cut them in late autumn, tie them in bunches, place them vertically in a box and store until spring at an air temperature of 1-5 ºC. For rooting, plant in spring.

Watch the video for rooting lignified cuttings:

Rooting of combined cuttings is possible: at the beginning of summer, select a shoot of the current year and separate it along with the heel (the part of the annual branch adjacent to it). Root in open ground or greenhouse. Water daily and shade from direct sunlight. These cuttings quickly develop a root system and next spring they can be transplanted to a permanent place of growth.

Actinidia from seeds at home

Let's consider propagation by seeds. Seedlings should be grown.

• Collect seeds from ripe fruits: mash the berries, place in a mesh bag and rinse under running water. Then remove the seeds from the bag, place them on paper and dry in the shade.
• Store until the first ten days of December, and then soak the seeds for 4 days, changing the water every day.
• Next, place the seeds in a nylon cloth and lower them into a box with wet sand, keep them at an air temperature of 18-20 ºC.
• Every week, remove the bag from the sand and ventilate for several minutes, rinse the seeds under running water directly in the bag and return it to the box.
• The seeds should not dry out.
• In January, wrap the box in cloth and move it to the garden, burying it deep in the snow for a couple of months. If there is no snow, store in the vegetable section of the refrigerator.
• After stratification, return to the room and keep at a temperature of 10-12 ºC. At the same time, ventilate and wash the seeds weekly.
• When the seeds sprout, it’s time to plant them carefully, trying not to break the sprouts. Fill the containers with a mixture of turf soil and river sand, spread the seeds thinly over the surface and sprinkle lightly with sand.
• You will need to moisten the crops with a spray bottle and cover them with film to create a greenhouse effect. When the plants sprout, it is better to remove the film.
• Spray the seedlings regularly and protect them from direct sunlight.
• With the appearance of 3-4 true leaves, plant actinidia seedlings in separate containers.
• in open ground in the 3rd year of life in the spring.

Planting actinidia in open ground

Actinidia grows well in one place for more than 30 years, but it is necessary to select a suitable site and follow agricultural practices.

Choosing a landing site

Actinidia is shade-tolerant, but the fruits will ripen fully only when exposed to sunlight: select a site in bright sun with shading during the midday hours. It is not recommended to plant next to apple trees. Suitable neighbors would be currant bushes.

Priming

The soil needs to be moist, loose, and drained. Does not tolerate clay and alkaline soils. Avoid areas with close groundwater (in this case, you will need to fill the hill). It is best to plant on hills or slopes - water will drain naturally without stagnating in the roots.

Preparing the support

Actinidia requires support, otherwise the stems will become tangled, caring for the plant will become problematic, and the fruits will then ripen unevenly.

• The vine does not have aerial roots, so plant it safely near buildings, fences, and frame gazebos.
• Use classically shaped arches and pergolas (wooden, metal, concrete) as support.
• You can stretch galvanized wire (3-4 rows) between two concrete columns according to the principle of a grape trellis: actinidia will grow vertically, tie up the shoots as they grow.
• In areas with harsh winters, it is better to use removable trellises to remove the vine for the winter and lay it on the ground with the construction of a shelter.

When and how to plant

Plant actinidia in early spring (before the start of sap flow) or in the fall (2-3 weeks before the start of frost). It should be noted that in the fall it is better to plant vines that are 2-3 years old, since older specimens are difficult to tolerate autumn planting.

• Prepare the planting hole 2 weeks before planting. Length, width and depth – 50 cm each.
• Place a drainage layer of small pebbles or broken bricks at the bottom.
• Move the fertile soil with peat and compost, add fertilizer (250 g superphosphate, 120 g ammonium nitrate, 35 g each of wood ash and potassium sulfate) and fill the hole.
• Cut off dry and broken roots on seedlings, treat the cuts with a fungicide, and keep the seedlings in a clay mash.
• Pour a mound of soil without fertilizer into the planting hole and place the seedling so that the root collar is flush with the soil surface.
• Cover the roots with soil and press the soil down a little.
• Pour 10-15 liters of water under the bush, mulch with a layer of compost or peat 4-5 cm thick.

Maintain a distance of 1.5-2 m between plantings. To decorate the wall of a building, plant seedlings in a trench, spacing 0.5 m between plants.

The aroma of the vine is attractive to cats, so protect the seedlings from their encroachment. Dig a metal mesh at least 0.5 meters high around the plant.

How to care for actinidia in open ground

Watering and loosening the soil

Water the plant generously. During periods of severe drought, add 6-8 buckets of water under each bush once a week. Also spray actinidia in the morning and evening. This must be done to prevent leaf shedding. Young leaves will not have time to get stronger in the cold weather and will freeze in winter.

Loosen the soil and remove weeds.

Feeding

It is important to fertilize regularly. In early spring, apply 20 g of potassium and 35 g of nitrogen fertilizers per m². During the formation of the ovary, apply 10-12 g of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and 15-20 g of nitrogen fertilizers per the same unit area. After harvesting (approximately the second ten days of September), add 20 g of potassium and phosphorus. Apply fertilizing in this way: embed granules with fertilizer into the soil around the plant to a depth of 10-12 cm, water thoroughly.

Trimming

Sanitary pruning carry out in mid-September: shorten the shoots by 1/3 of the length, remove branches that thicken the crown.

Upon reaching the age of 3-4 years, it should be carried out formative pruning creepers. Do this throughout the summer. Form a two-arm cordon along a horizontal trellis: point two shoots of the same level in the same plane in opposite directions and secure, cut off the remaining shoots. Next year, shoots of the second order will appear on them - it is on them that fruits are formed, they should be tied to a vertical guide.

Anti-aging pruning spend at the age of 8-10 years. Do this in the summer. Cut off the shoots completely, leaving a stump 30-40 cm high.

How to distinguish male and female actinidia, look at the video:

Diseases and pests

Diseases and pests rarely bother actinidia.

Possible diseases: fungal diseases (powdery mildew, phylosticosis, etc.), green and gray mold, fruit rot. For preventive purposes, treat the plant with Bordeaux mixture after the buds appear and 2 weeks after the first treatment. When a disease appears, the affected areas should be removed and treated with a fungicide.

Pests: leaf beetles, moth caterpillars, lacewings, bark beetles. In spring and autumn, treat the vines and soil with Bordeaux mixture.

Harvesting

Fruiting begins at the age of 3-4 years. Full harvests can be collected from actinidia aged 7 years or older: about 60 kg of berries per plant with proper care. The ripening of the fruits is uneven, but they do not fall off for a long time. Harvest time begins in mid-August and lasts almost until mid-October.

Wintering actinidia

Young plants (2-3 years of growth in open ground) will need shelter for the winter. Remove the branches from the supports, lay them on the ground, cover with peat, dry leaves, spruce branches (layer at least 20 cm thick). Mice can make nests there - use poison. Adult specimens overwinter without shelter.

Types and varieties of actinidia with photos and names

There are 70 plant species in the natural environment, 3 of them are cultivated with numerous varieties bred.

Actinidia arguta or acute Actinidia arguta

The most powerful plant among cultivated species. The length of the vine reaches 25-30 m, the diameter of the trunk is 15 cm. The leaf plates are ovoid in shape with finely toothed edges, their length is 15 cm. The flowers are fragrant, arranged singly or collected in racemes of 3 pieces. The fruits are spherical (diameter 1.5-3 cm), dark green in color, have a mild laxative effect, and ripen at the end of September.

Varieties:

Actinidia self-fertile photo

Actinidia Self-fertile - fruiting begins in the second half of September. The weight of the elongated cylindrical berry is about 18 g, it is colored bright green. Winter-hardy plant;

Primorskaya - medium-sized leaves, soft, oblong, green in color. The fruits are elliptical in shape, have an olive color, weight is 6-8 g. Average winter hardiness;

Actinidia large-fruited is an elliptical-shaped fruit, dark green with blush, weighing 10-18 g. Frost-resistant plant.

Other popular varieties: Mikhneevskaya, Relay, Zolotaya Kosa, Ilona, ​​Vera, Lunnaya, September.

Actinidia kolomikta varieties for the Moscow region and Leningrad region

Very resistant to severe winter frosts. The height of the plant is 5-10 m, the diameter of the trunk is 20 mm. The obovate leaves extend 7-16 cm. They have sharply serrated edges, the veins are covered with orange pubescence. in males the leaves are variegated: in autumn they turn yellow-pink, red-violet. Female flowers are arranged singly, male flowers - 3-5 pieces each. The fruits are green in color and acquire a bronze, reddish hue in the sun.

Varieties:

Actinidia Pineapple- a very productive variety. The oblong berries, 3 cm long, have a pineapple flavor;

Actinidia Doctor Shimanovsky variety description- A climbing vine, the lashes reach a length of 3 m. The annual growth is about 1.5 m. Young leaves have light green spots, but quickly acquire a pink color. Liana loves warm, sunny, wind-protected places. Bisexual appearance. The flowers are white, fragrant, bloom in June. The fruits are edible, sweet, and ripen in August.

Gourmand– has fruits 30 mm long and weighing 4-5 g, taste: sweet and sour with a hint of pineapple.

Other varieties: Prazdnichnaya, Slastena, Waffle, Narodnaya, Moma, Priusadennaya.

Actinidia polygama

Liana 4-5 m high. Leaf plates are elliptical in shape with pointed tops and serrated edges, painted green with silver spots; in autumn the leaves turn yellow. Fruit weight – 3 g.

Varieties:

Actinidia polygamum Apricot– winter hardiness is moderate, fruits ripen late. The berries are slightly flattened, weighing about 6 g, and have a sweet and sour taste;

Beauty is a winter-hardy plant. The fruits are yellow-green in color and have a sour taste;

Patterned - cylindrical fruits, orange in color with longitudinal stripes. Has a fig-pepper flavor.

Actinidia giraldii Actinidia giraldii

A species listed in the Red Book. Similar to actinidia arguta, but has larger fruits.

Varieties:

Juliania - berry weight 10-15 g, taste sweet;

Alevtina – berries weighing 12-20 g, sweet;

Native - berry weight 7-10 g.

Actinidia purpurea

Purple actinidia Actinidia arguta variety ‘Ken’s Red’ photo

Shade-tolerant liana, low cold resistance. The fruits are purple. Their weight is 5.5 g. They taste sweetish.

Actinidia hybrid

The work of breeder I.M. Shaitana. This is a cross between Actinidia arguta and Actinidia purpurea. The fruits are large and purple in color.

Varieties:

Kyiv Krupnofrodnaya - oval berries of green color, weight - 10 g, taste - sweetish;

Candy – the fruits ripen late, have a sweet taste and a candy-fruity aroma;

Souvenir - greenish-red fruits weighing about 8 g, sweet.

Useful properties of actinidia

The fruits of the plant are excellent remedies for belching, heartburn, and other digestive disorders. They are also recommended to be taken for anemia, rheumatism, lumbago, gonorrhea, and colitis.

Other parts of the plant also have medicinal properties. Infusions, decoctions, and ointments are prepared from them.

Polygamol is a drug based on actinidia, which has a general strengthening effect.

Contraindications to the use of drugs are varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.