| Once Actinidia establishes itself, it seems to increase in cold hardiness and resistance to late spring frosts, perhaps by creating its own microclimate. I also protect mine by wrapping them in their early years. Usually, it does take about 8 years before A. arguta flower, but I do have one 'Anna' plant that started bearing after 3 years. Actinidia kolomikta, which also bears delicious fruit, typically starts bearing only a year or two after planting. It's also much less vigorous (which is good) and ripens about a month earlier than A. arguta. Unfortunately it begins growth earlier in spring so is somewhat more subject to late spring frosts. The males have beautiful, variegated, silvery pink leaf color. Issai may be a hybrid of the two species. Despite claims, I found it to be little or not at all self-pollinating. And now for a commercial message: All this information, and much more, can be found in the Actinidia chapter of my book Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden. The book is available for sale (from me, through my website, among other sources) but is also available at the NAFEX and many other libraries. Lee Reich, PhD Books by Lee Reich: A Northeast Gardener's Year The Pruning Book Weedless Gardening Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden Landscaping with Fruit On Sep 24, 2010, at 1:08 AM, John S wrote:
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