Saanichton Fuzzy Kiwi
Actinidia deliciosa 'Saanichton'
While this female variety is similar to the fuzzy kiwi that you buy in the store (usually the variety 'Hayward'), it is more winter hardy (to about 5 degrees F) and it is successfully grown from California to as far north as Vancouver, Canada, since it ripens a couple of weeks before Hayward. It creates large, sweet, easy-to-peel fruit.
Fuzzy female kiwis must be pollinized by the Male Fuzzy kiwi. Saanichton is considered low chill, requiring only 200 chill hours to reliably bloom and set fruit. Hardy to USDA zone 8.
This fuzzy kiwi is the type of kiwi that you find in the supermarket. It has a fuzzy brown skin. Inside, the flesh is a lime green, with crunchy and edible tiny black seeds. The taste is wonderful - a tropical combination of flavors. Kiwi are native to China, but were first commercially grown in New Zealand.
Hardy to USDA Zone: 8
Mature Size: up to 40' if unpruned
Sun: Full Sun
Ripening Time: Late October/Early November in the PNW
Pollination: Requires Male that blooms simultaneously
Read our Kiwi Growing Guide