Description
Chang Bai is a large-fruited hardy kiwi that turns heads at harvest. The smooth, green berries ripen noticeably larger than many kiwi berries, pairing impressive size with clean, sweet kiwi flavor and subtle aromatic depth. It’s the kind of variety that feels especially rewarding to pick once the vine reaches maturity.
Compared to standard green kiwi berries, Chang Bai stands out for fruit size without sacrificing reliability. The flavor leans sweet and familiar, with a bit more complexity than baseline hardy kiwis, making it a strong choice for growers who want both visual impact and eating quality.
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: Large grape-sized berries
- Flavor: Sweet, classic kiwi flavor with subtle aromatic depth
- Color: Green skin and green flesh
- Growth habit: Vigorous climbing vine; easily maintained at 10–12 ft with training and pruning
- Pollination: Female; requires a compatible male hardy kiwi vine for fruiting
- Productivity: Reliable producer once established
Growing Details
Latin Name: Actinidia arguta ‘Chang Bai’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9
Rootstock: Own-root (propagated from cuttings)
Bearing Age: Typically 3–4 years after planting once vines are well established and properly trained
Size at Maturity: Vigorous climbing vine; easily maintained at 10–12 ft with regular pruning and training
Bloom Time: Mid-season (varies by region)
Ripening Time: Mid-season within kiwi berries; typically September (varies by region)
Fruit Size: Large grape-sized; larger than many standard green kiwi berries
Pollination: 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 pruning
Yield: Commonly 30–50 lbs per mature vine under good growing conditions
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Chang Bai really shines once vines are mature—strong training and consistent pruning allow the berries to size up noticeably, making harvest especially satisfying.
- Regional Insight: Chang Bai performs well across a wide range of climates and is often chosen by growers who want a green kiwi berry with standout size rather than novelty flavor traits.
- Explore more kiwi berry and hardy kiwi vines in our collection: Kiwi & Hardy Kiwi Vines
