Description
Meader is a dedicated male kiwi berry (hardy kiwi) pollinator used to fertilize female Actinidia arguta vines for reliable fruit set. Male vines do not produce fruit—but without a compatible male nearby, female kiwi berry vines will not produce dependable crops.
Plant roughly one male for every six female kiwi berry vines. For most home plantings, one strong male like Meader is a simple, long-term solution for consistent fruit set.
For best results, plant your male within 20–30 feet of the females and train it on the same trellis or an adjacent support so pollinators can move easily between vines during bloom. Matching species matters: Meader is intended to pollinate female kiwi berry / hardy kiwi vines in the Actinidia arguta group.
Overview
- Purpose: Male pollinator for kiwi berry (hardy kiwi) vines
- Fruit: Does not produce fruit
- Recommended ratio: 1 male per ~6 females (often 6–8 females per male in well-designed plantings)
- Placement: Plant within 20–30 feet of female vines
- Compatibility: Best with female Actinidia arguta kiwi berry varieties
- Growth habit: Vigorous climber; easily maintained at 10–12 ft with training and pruning
Growing Details
Latin Name: Actinidia arguta ‘Meader’ (Male)
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: Not applicable (male pollinator; does not bear fruit)
Size at Maturity: Vigorous climbing vine; easily maintained at 10–12 ft with regular pruning and training
Bloom Time: Mid-season (varies by region; intended to overlap kiwi berry bloom)
Pollination Planning: 1 male per ~6 females (often 6–8); plant within 20–30 feet for best fruit set
Pests & Diseases: Generally low disease pressure with good airflow and proper pruning
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: If your females flower but yields are light, weak pollination is often the hidden culprit—adding a strong male like Meader (and keeping it close) is one of the simplest fixes.
- Regional Insight: In cool or wet spring weather, pollinator flight can be limited—keeping the male close and maintaining an open, well-pruned canopy helps maximize successful pollination.
- Compatibility Note: Pollination is most reliable when male and female vines are the same species; Meader is intended for kiwi berry (Actinidia arguta) females.
- Explore more kiwi berry and hardy kiwi vines in our collection: Kiwi & Hardy Kiwi Vines
