Description
Michigan State is a hardy kiwi berry selected through university evaluation for dependable growth, large fruit, and consistent eating quality. The smooth-skinned, green berries ripen to a generous, grape-sized size with clean, sweet kiwi flavor, making it a reliable performer rather than a novelty variety.
This selection is often appreciated for how well it balances fruit size, productivity, and vine vigor. The berries size up well without sacrificing consistency, and the vine itself grows strongly once established, responding well to training and annual pruning.
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. Michigan State fits well on trellises, arbors, and pergolas where long-term productivity and reliability matter.
Overview
- Fruit type: Kiwi berry (hardy kiwi) with smooth, edible skin
- Fruit size: Large grape-sized berries
- Flavor: Sweet, clean, classic kiwi flavor
- Color: Green skin and green flesh
- Growth habit: Vigorous climbing vine; easily maintained at 10–12 ft with training and pruning
- Selection background: University-evaluated for performance and consistency
- Pollination: Female; requires a compatible male hardy kiwi vine for fruiting
- Productivity: Reliable, steady yields once established
Growing Details
Latin Name: Actinidia arguta ’Michigan State’
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 (varies by region)
Fruit Size: Large grape-sized
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 40–70 lbs per mature vine under good growing conditions
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Michigan State is valued less for novelty and more for reliability—large fruit, steady production, and predictable vine behavior make it easy to manage long-term.
- Regional Insight: Originally evaluated in northern climates, Michigan State performs well across a wide range of regions where hardy kiwis are adapted.
- Explore more kiwi berry and hardy kiwi vines in our collection: Kiwi & Hardy Kiwi Vines
