Hardy Kiwi for Ohio

Mary Strayer,
Master Gardener, Author
Hardy Kiwi, Acinidia arguta and Acinidia kolomikta are native to southwestern China and are perennial plants are dioecious, which means that male and female flowers are borne on separate plants, so both vines must be grown to ensure pollination. 
This special kiwi is cold hardy and can survive temperatures to -25 degrees F.  The fruit size is considerably smaller than their larger cousins which we see in our local supermarkets.  They average the size of your thumb joint, knuckle to tip.

The vines bloom in early spring, and if we have a really late frost, lay in the first week of May, it will not produce that year.  The flowers are just larger than a pea and white in color with intricate markings.  The fruit is greenish yellow until it begins to ripen.  At that point it turns a wonderful deeper maroon, and when you can give the fruit the slightest squeeze, it is ready to harvest. 
In my garden, the vine is 7 years old, and it has bloomed the last 5 years.  Last year the vine was covered with fruit, and we picked more than two pecks of fruit.  We picked all the fruit at the same time, and sat it on the kitchen counter to finish ripening.  We checked every day, and ate or gave away the ones which were ready.  They lasted a month, and they are totally enjoyable.  If you love the large store ones, these taste the same.  They are smooth, no fuzz, and have no insect or disease problems problems.
Their smallish dark green leaves shine all summer long, and thus makes a lovely addition to gardens and landscapes.  They grow vigorously, making shade under the vines.  It would make a lovely privacy screen for the end of a patio.  They also make a great conversation piece.
Plant the kiwi vines in full sun, and in any type of garden soil.  They prefer rich humus soils, and PH around 6.5.  Plant them in well drained areas, and do not fertilize, and the fertilizer burns the roots.
Prune in late fall after harvest.  They then will re-grow in spring and produce your harvest.
Happy Gardening.