Kiwi Berry (Cordifolia)

Description

Cordifolia is an early-blooming hardy kiwi selected for sweetness, vigor, and strong production. The smooth, green kiwi berries ripen with a rich, sweet flavor, and the vine itself is known for robust growth and dependable yields once established.

Often listed botanically as Actinidia arguta var. cordifolia, this type has earned a reputation for producing especially sweet fruit compared to many standard arguta selections. Its early bloom and vigorous growth make it a reliable choice for growers who want both flavor and productivity from a classic green kiwi berry.

Kiwi berries—also known as hardy kiwi—are smooth-skinned, bite-size kiwis that you eat whole, skin and all. Unlike fuzzy kiwis from the grocery store, these grape-sized fruits require no peeling and soften slightly as they ripen, developing a sweet, tropical kiwi flavor that’s easy to enjoy fresh. The vines themselves are vigorous, cold-tolerant climbers well suited to trellises, pergolas, and arbors, and once established they can produce heavy crops.

Overview

• Fruit type: Kiwi berry (hardy kiwi) with smooth, edible skin
• Fruit size: Grape-sized berries
• Flavor: Especially sweet, clean kiwi flavor
• Color: Green skin and green flesh
• Growth habit: Vigorous climbing vine; easily maintained at 10–12 ft with training and pruning
• Bloom timing: Early-blooming within hardy kiwi types
• Pollination: Female; requires a compatible male hardy kiwi vine for fruiting
• Productivity: Known for strong yields once established

Growing Details

Latin Name: Actinidia arguta var. cordifoliaSite and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilHardiness: USDA Zones 4–9Rootstock: Own-root (propagated from cuttings)Bearing Age: Typically 1–3 years after plantingSize at Maturity: Vigorous climbing vine; easily maintained at 10–12 ft with regular pruning and trainingBloom Time: Early (varies by region)Ripening Time: Mid-season within kiwi berries; typically September (varies by region)Fruit Size: Grape-sizedPollination: Female; requires a compatible male hardy kiwi vine planted within 20–30 feet for fruiting. A proven option is our Male Hardy Kiwi (Meader).Pests & Diseases: Generally low disease pressure with good airflow and proper pruningYield: Commonly 50–80 lbs per mature vine under good growing conditions

Additional Notes

• Grower’s Insight: Cordifolia is often noted for exceptional sweetness among green kiwi berries, especially when fruit is allowed to fully mature before harvest.
• Regional Insight: Cordifolia’s vigor and early bloom make it a strong performer across a wide range of climates, particularly where hardy kiwis are already well adapted.
• Botanical Note: The name “cordifolia” refers to heart-shaped leaves, a subtle botanical distinction sometimes noted in this type.
• Explore more kiwi berry and hardy kiwi vines in our collection: Kiwi & Hardy Kiwi Vines