How to Grow Kiwi Jenny

Kiwi Jenny

Actinidia arguta 'Jenny'

vine

Kiwi Jenny is a compact, self-fertile hardy kiwi cultivar that produces small, smooth-skinned, sweet green fruits without the fuzz of traditional kiwis. This deciduous vine is perfect for smaller gardens and containers, reaching 8-10 feet rather than the 20+ feet of standard kiwis. The fruits are eaten whole, skin and all, and ripen in fall with excellent sugar content.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; afternoon shade in hot climates helps

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Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season. Water deeply 1-2 times weekly in dry periods. Reduce watering in winter.

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Spacing: 48 inches

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Days to maturity: 1095-1460 (3-4 years to first fruit production)

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; ensure crown is not buried

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost peat moss or coconut coir aged manure perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 4-8; hardy down to -25°F once established

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Growth Stages

Establishment

First year

Young vine with developing root system and 2-4 shoots emerging; stems are thin and herbaceous

Install sturdy trellis or arbor immediately. Water regularly to keep soil moist. Pinch off flower buds the first year to encourage vegetative growth. Mulch around base with 2-3 inches of organic material.

Vegetative Growth

Year 2-3

Vine grows vigorously with heart-shaped leaves on climbing tendrils; stems woody and thicken; plant fills support structure

Train main stems horizontally along trellis. Prune side shoots to 6-8 leaves to maintain shape and prevent tangling. Continue removing flowers if plant is young. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer.

Flowering

4-6 weeks in spring/early summer

Small fragrant white to cream flowers appear in leaf axils in spring/early summer; flowers are self-fertile but benefit from insect pollination

Allow flowers to develop once vine is 2-3 years old. Support bees and other pollinators by avoiding pesticides. Ensure adequate moisture and nutrients. Flowers are not showy but are pleasantly fragrant.

Fruit Development

8-10 weeks

Small 1-1.5 inch green fruits develop from flowers; fruits are smooth-skinned (unlike fuzzy traditional kiwis) and remain green at maturity

Thin fruit clusters if overcrowded to allow proper sizing (space fruits 4-6 inches apart). Continue watering and fertilizing consistently. Watch for pest damage.

Ripening & Harvest

3-4 weeks

Fruits soften, yield slightly to pressure, and develop maximum sweetness; flavor is sweet and tropical, reminiscent of strawberry-melon

Fruits ripen in fall (September-October in northern zones). Harvest when fruits yield slightly to gentle pressure. Ripe fruits store 2-3 weeks refrigerated. Vine continues to produce year after year with proper pruning.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

nitrogen-fixing legumes as nearby border plants (not on vine) shade-tolerant perennials beneath vine bee-friendly flowers like lavender nearby

Avoid planting near:

black walnut (juglone toxicity) strong root competitors like large trees

Common Pests

Hand-pick in early morning; use pheromone traps; apply neem oil or spinosad if severe
Cover ripening fruit with netting; remove and destroy affected fruit; maintain good sanitation
Increase humidity; spray with water; apply horticultural oil or neem oil if population high
Prune infested canes; apply dormant oil in winter; use horticultural oil in growing season
Ensure good air circulation with proper pruning; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate; avoid overhead watering

Uses

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Fresh eating & smoothies

Culinary

Fruits are eaten whole, skin and all, fresh from the vine or chilled. The sweet, tropical flavor profile works excellently in smoothies, fruit salads, and desserts. [source]

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Jam & preserves

Culinary

The high natural pectin and sugar content make Kiwi Jenny excellent for homemade jams, jellies, and fruit preserves without added pectin. [source]

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Nutritional supplement

Medicinal

Hardy kiwis are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. They contain enzymes like actinidin that support digestive health, similar to traditional kiwifruit. [source]

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Ornamental garden feature

Household

The compact vine with attractive heart-shaped foliage and fragrant flowers makes an excellent living screen, arbor cover, or pergola feature in addition to its productive fruit crop. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

The small fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making Kiwi Jenny valuable for pollinator gardens and integrated pest management strategies. [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 in fall when fruits yield slightly to gentle pressure and taste sweet; typically September-October depending on location. Fruits do not ripen further after picking, so harvest only when fully ripe. Use two hands when harvesting to avoid damaging the vine. Wear gloves as tendrils can be prickly. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.

Fun Facts

🌱 Kiwi Jenny is self-fertile, meaning a single plant can produce fruit without a male pollinator plant nearby—unlike many traditional kiwi varieties that require separate male vines.
🌱 The fruits are often called 'kiwiberry' or 'hardy kiwi' because they can withstand temperatures down to -25°F once established, making them viable in zones where traditional fuzzy kiwis cannot grow.
🌱 A mature Kiwi Jenny vine can produce 50-100+ pounds of fruit per year, making it one of the most productive fruit crops per square foot of garden space.

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