Actinidia kolomikta: growing kiwi in a home garden

Actinidia colomicta is the most common frost-resistant species of actinidia, which has been recognized in the territory of Russia. The first cultural varieties brought back in the last century Michurin, who called the plant northern grapes. One of the representatives of actinidia is all known kiwi.

Actinidium colomicta: useful properties

Everyone knows about the usefulness of kiwi, in the first place this fruit is rich in vitamin C. Actinidia colomicta does not lag behind the useful properties of its thermophilic colleague. The content of vitamin C in the fruits of the plant is more than 2000 mg (per 100 g of fruit). For example, black currant has 350 mg.

But, despite the high concentration of "sour" vitamin, the berries of actinidia have a sweet taste. This is possible due to the surprising balance of sugars and fruit acids. The delicate taste of the fruit of actinidia is combined with a delicate aroma. Liana is rich in other useful substances - pectin, carotenes, vitamins of group B and PP.

Actinidium colomicta: decorative properties

In addition to nutritional value, the plant differs in its decorative qualities. "Northern grapes" is a fast growing liana, for a season growing by one and a half to two meters. A distinctive feature is that the plant does not freeze during the winter. This property is taken into account when decorating with actinidia fences, walls, unsightly corners of the garden. Liana is perfect for small gardens, as it takes up very little space.

Quite interesting are the male individuals of the plant, which differ in variegation. Leaves of these lianas in the beginning of summer gradually, starting from the tips, turn white, and then get a pinkish color.

Actinidia: landing

The plant should be planted in the spring, until the buds bloom. However, if it is necessary to plant a vine in autumn, the chances of rooting remain also high (in autumn, cuttings with roots are used).

The plant belongs to the longevity, in one place can grow about 50 years. Therefore, for planting it is necessary to prepare a large pit, at the bottom of which it is necessary to put for the drainage claydite, gravel or broken brick. Then you need to add a light fertile soil, which is prepared from humus or superphosphate with compost, ash and garden soil.

Actinidium is dropped into the pit in such a way that after the shrinkage of the earth, the root cervix of the creeper remains at the ground level. Therefore, the pit for planting must be prepared in advance, so that it shrinks.

When growing, it should be borne in mind that the plant is dioecious, and for its fruiting, female and male individuals will be required. For better pollination, two male shoots and five female shoots are planted nearby.

Actinidia: cultivation and care

In the first year the plant should be well insulated, if the planting was carried out in autumn. Later, the liana will recover and will be able to wait for the winter even in severe frosts (up to 40 degrees) directly on the support.

The plant is unpretentious, for successful growth and good development it will initially require a correct planting in slightly acidic light soil and good drainage.

To develop actinidia you need a lot of light and a good moisturizing, but do not pour excess water.

If desired, the plant can be removed from the seeds, in the future the seedling will become even more resistant to climatic conditions.

Actinidium colomicta: fructification

An adult bush for a season gives up to 7 kilograms of fruits, which the plant starts to bring from 3 years of life, increasing its yields each season. Greenish shades berries (similar to kiwi) have a weight of up to 5 grams, differ in a thin skin and pleasant taste.

When harvesting, difficulties arise that are associated with the non-simultaneous ripening of berries and their shedding. In order not to lose a crop, it is recommended to lay a piece of cloth or film under the bush.

Actinidia: varieties

The plant has many varieties. Widely distributed are such varieties of actinidia: Waffle, Grape, Izobilnaya, Queen of the Garden, Monetka, Hope, Stranger, Robinson.