The "Carpath Straton Valentine" kiwi variety is a tall, monoecious, and self-pollinating type that does not require male plants for fruiting. Thanks to breeding work started in 1992, it possesses exceptional frost resistance down to -30 °C, allowing it to be grown without shelter even in low-lying areas.
The plant develops primarily superficially: the root system is located at a depth of 40–50 cm. Ideal soil – light, neutral, or slightly acidic. Kiwis are not drought-resistant and require regular watering, as well as protection from animals using stakes and agrofiber. In the first few months after planting, the plant should be protected from direct sunlight; meanwhile, mulching with conifer sawdust and installing trellis support contribute to strengthening the root system.
Fruits reach a mass of 90–120 g, and yield can reach 20 kg from an area of 6 m². First fruiting occurs 3–4 years after planting in open ground. Ripening takes place in October–November; technical maturity is reached by the end of September, and fruits can be stored at temperatures from 0 to 6 °C until spring. Pests and diseases have not been observed, and seedlings are grown without the use of pesticides, ensuring an ecologically clean product.
For successful development, it is recommended to plant in summer – this accelerates root system growth and increases the plant's resistance to unfavorable conditions. With proper care, "Carpath Straton Valentine" becomes a reliable source of delicious kiwis suitable for both personal consumption and commercial cultivation.
