Kiwi arguta Ken’s Red - female A female form of the hardy ‘baby’ kiwi, Actinidia arguta Ken's Red is a large, fast-growing deciduous vine, smaller than most kiwis. The leaves are oval to long, deep green, and bristly. The cream-coloured, scented flowers appear in June, followed by small fruits, about the size of a large gooseberry, cylindrical with a pointed end. They have a smooth skin and both skin and flesh are deep wine-red. The taste is sweeter than that of standard kiwi fruit, and the fruit should not be picked until it has softened slightly and sweetened. Provide a strong framework to train it into, and do not over-fertilise, as this will reduce flowering and fruiting. As a female cultivar, Kiwi arguta Ken’s Red must be grown with a male pollinator. Site: ShelteredSoil: Moist but well drained soil, preferably acidPosition: Full sunPick: Late September–OctoberKeep: Under-ripe fruit can be kept in the fridge for 4–6 weeks.Hardiness: Very hardyPollination: Needs a male pollinatorUses: EatingHeight: to 12’ (3.5m) Spread: to 5’ (1.5m) after many years