How to Grow German Extra Hardy Kiwi
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German Extra Hardy Kiwi
Actinidia arguta
vineGerman Extra Hardy is a cold-tolerant cultivar of hardy kiwi that produces small, smooth-skinned, sweet fruits similar to table grapes. This deciduous woody vine is significantly more frost-resistant than standard kiwis, surviving temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C). It's an excellent choice for northern gardeners seeking a productive, long-lived perennial fruit vine.
When should you plant German Extra Hardy Kiwi in your zone?
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Example German Extra Hardy Kiwi timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant German Extra Hardy Kiwi
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest German Extra Hardy Kiwi
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact German Extra Hardy Kiwi dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, exceptionally hardy in zones 4-5
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Get my German Extra Hardy Kiwi timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Year 1-2Young vine with tender stems and developing root system; small leaves unfurling
Keep consistently moist, provide sturdy trellis support, protect from strong winds, remove competing weeds. Do not allow to fruit first 1-2 years.
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-3Vigorous twining vine with heart-shaped leaves; long canes extending along trellis
Prune to shape and establish framework, remove side shoots to promote main trunk development, apply balanced fertilizer in spring
Flowering
May-JuneSmall white flowers with yellow centers bloom along the canes, typically in late spring; dioecious (separate male and female plants)
Ensure male plant present for pollination (1 male per 5-8 females recommended), deadhead if needed to encourage female flower focus
Fruiting
July-AugustGreen berries develop from female flowers, gradually enlarging to grape-sized fruits (0.5-1 inch); skin remains smooth and edible
Thin fruit if overcrowded, water consistently during development, monitor for pests, provide shade cloth in extreme heat regions
Harvest & Dormancy
September-November, then dormant December-MarchFruits mature to dark green or brown when fully ripe; vine enters senescence in fall with yellowing foliage, goes completely dormant in winter
Harvest when fruits yield to gentle pressure, prune during dormancy to maintain shape and remove dead wood, apply winter mulch in colder zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early morning, use pheromone traps, apply neem oil or spinosad, encourage native parasitoid wasps
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Spray with water to dislodge, use miticides if severe, maintain humidity, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
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Prune infested branches, apply horticultural oil in dormant season, use insecticidal soap on active crawlers
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Improve air circulation through pruning, apply sulfur dust or neem oil, avoid overhead watering, thin dense foliage
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Ensure excellent drainage, avoid waterlogging, remove affected plants, apply fungicide if caught early
Uses
Fresh eating & smoothies
CulinaryGerman Extra Hardy kiwi fruits are eaten fresh whole (no peeling required) and have a sweet tropical flavor similar to dessert grapes. They're excellent blended into smoothies, yogurt, or used in fruit salads. [source]
Preserves & dried fruit
CulinaryThe berries can be made into jams, jellies, and compotes, or dried for snacking. Their pectin content makes them ideal for preserve-making. [source]
Nutritional supplement
MedicinalHardy kiwi fruits are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and actinidin (a proteolytic enzyme). Traditional use supports digestive health and immune function. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeThe abundant small fruits provide excellent nutrition for birds and small mammals in late summer and fall, supporting biodiversity. [source]
Ornamental vine
HouseholdGerman Extra Hardy is an attractive landscape feature with graceful twining growth, heart-shaped foliage, fragrant flowers, and colorful fruit. It provides summer shade and structure to pergolas or arbors. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest fruits in late August to September when they yield slightly to gentle finger pressure and taste sweet. Fruits do not ripen significantly after picking, so allow full maturation on vine. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. Fruits store well refrigerated for 2-3 weeks or can be frozen.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 German Extra Hardy kiwi can survive temperatures of -40°F without damage to the vine itself, making it hardier than most traditional kiwi varieties and even some temperate fruit trees.
- 🌱 Unlike fuzzy kiwifruit, the fruits of hardy kiwi have completely smooth, thin skin that is edible—so you can eat them whole like grapes without any peeling.
- 🌱 Hardy kiwi vines are extremely long-lived, with healthy plants producing fruit for 30-50+ years, making them a true perennial investment.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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