Kiev Large-Fruited Actinidia

Actinidia 'Kiev Large-Fruited' is a woody vine reaching up to 6 meters in height with an annual growth of 2 meters. Saplings begin bearing fruit in the third-fourth year after planting. The plant was bred at the Botanical Garden of Kyiv through cross-breeding with the 'Purple Emerald' variety, giving it disease resistance and high frost hardiness down to -25 °C.

The fruits are large, weighing 15–20 g, oval-shaped with a slightly flattened surface. The flesh is light green with a faint purple hue, juicy and sweet with pineapple notes, resembling kiwi in taste. Ripening period – September–October; in southern conditions they can ripen until the beginning of winter. One bush yields from 15 kg to 30 kg, making the plant attractive for commercial cultivation.

A support is necessary for successful growth and fruiting as the plant is a vine. It prefers drained, moist, slightly acidic soils (pH 5,5–6,5) and sunny or semi-shaded locations. Regular watering, feeding in spring with humate for vegetative growth and potassium humate during fruiting promote good development. Disease protection is achieved using preparations such as Horus, Ridomil, Bordeaux mixture, and Twix 30 D.

Pollination requires the presence of both male and female saplings; cross-pollination ensures high yield. It is recommended to place the plant near grapes, fruit trees, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and conifers for companion planting.

When planting, it is important to provide good drainage (stones, sticks, stumps) and mulch the soil with peat, compost, or fallen leaves. Saplings are usually supplied with a root system in containers, which improves their survivability. The recommended planting period is spring or autumn; the plant tolerates small frosts well and adapts quickly to new conditions.