North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Dan Nave <nave1@comcast.net>]

I think the amount of shade necessary may depend on the zone you are in.
In Minnesota, they recommended having the vines on the east side of a hill or something similar, 
receiving full morning sun.  Also recommended is to protect from winter sun.

I'm not certain that the two types could actually pollinate each other because of the difference in 
the number of chromosomes.

"If you try growing /A. arguta/ for fruit, plant a male of the same species, since flowering times 
and chromosome numbers differ between /Actinida/ species; don't rely on a male /A. kolomikta/ as a 
pollenizer." http://fruit.cfans.umn.edu/kiwi.htm

Dan  (St. Paul, MN, Z4a)


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On 2/14/2011 3:28 PM, David Jackson wrote:
> Kolomikta does best when grown in 70 to 90 percent shade.
>
> The female will lose variegation (pinks and whites) fast than the male in 
> more significant light.
>
> Male kolomikta do not produce fruit.
>
> Some nurseries sold A. Arguta females coupled with Kolomikta males.  That 
> doesn't work.  The flowering schedules are off 15 to 25 days.
>
> Willis Orchard sells Meader self-fertile male, great pollinator, but will 
> never produce fruit. Another spin for actinidia nursery roulette.
>
> Cleft grafting is the best bet to change sex or variety in most actinidia.  
> Growing a kolomikta underneath an arguta is not advisable as the bottom plant 
> will surely intertwine with the top plant negatively affecting the management 
> of both.
>
> Regards,
> Dave
> Zone 6 - Central Pennsylvania
>
> David Jackson
> Kiwi Berry Organics
> 1701 Toby Run Road
> Danville, PA  17821
> www.kiwiberry.com
> dave@kiwberry.com