Known as Chinese Gooseberry or Kiwi Fruit, Actinidia deliciosa ‘Hayward’ originates from China, and despite its name, the fruit is technically a berry.
This long-lived, vigorous climber can reach up to 9 metres long and requires a strong support structure. Female plants need a nearby male for pollination to produce fruit. ‘Hayward’ is the most widely grown kiwi fruit variety, prized for its large, fuzzy brown fruit with sweet, green flesh when fully ripe.
Fruit is typically harvested in June and can remain on the vine well into winter in frost-free areas. The large, deciduous leaves provide summer shade, making it ideal for growing over pergolas, while bare winter stems allow light through.
Kiwi fruit stores well after harvest and is delicious fresh, in salads, smoothies, jams, desserts like pavlova, or even baked into cakes and pies.
‘Hayward’ requires a frost-free growing period of 225–240 days. While mature plants tolerate light frost, young shoots and fruit are frost-sensitive, so protection may be necessary in cooler areas. Shelter from strong winds and harsh summer sun is recommended. With regular pruning, good drainage, and adequate watering (but not water logging), this plant will reward you with abundant crops and striking garden structure.
- Pollination Group: Female plants require a male plant for pollination (one male per 6–10 females); male plants do not produce fruit.
- Uses: Excellent for fresh eating, cooking, salads, bottling, preserving, drying, and making jam.
- Harvest: April to June
- Chill Requirement: 500–700 hours below 7°C
- Features: Tasty, long-storing fruit and a vigorous climber—great for creating summer shade in the home garden.
- Also known as: Chinese Gooseberry, Kiwifruit, Kiwi Fruit
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