Kiwi (actinidia deliciosa) TUSCIA®

Kiwi (Classic Kiwi) - Female Variety 'TUSCIA®'

'TUSCIA®' is a premium, high-quality female green kiwi variety that represents a significant step forward in commercial and home growing. Although it retains the classic, harmoniously sweet-sour taste and juiciness, it surpasses the world standard (the 'Hayward' variety) in fruit size. However, its absolute key and commercially most valuable feature is the extreme storability of the fruits – they remain in perfect condition in the refrigerator for months without any damage.

Classic Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) 'TUSCIA®'

It is a female (fruit-bearing) plant of a dioecious species. For fruit production, it strictly needs the presence of a suitable male pollinator of the same species (e.g., 'Tomuri' or 'Atlas' varieties).

Main advantages of the variety:

• Extremely long shelf life of fruits in cold storage (last for months).
• Large fruits (larger than the 'Hayward' standard).
• Firm skin, making the fruits resistant to bruising and excellent for transport.
• Excellent, harmonious, and juicy taste.
• Above-average vitamin C content (85 mg / 100 g) and strong antioxidant properties.

Origin and Breeding

• Botanical classification: Fuzzy kiwi / Classic kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa).
• Function: It is a female (fruit-bearing) plant of a dioecious species. For fruit production, it strictly needs the presence of a suitable male pollinator of the same species (e.g., 'Tomuri' or 'Atlas' varieties).

Detailed variety description: Plant (Liana)

• Vigor: Strong and vigorous. Forms a robust woody liana that requires firm and stable support (pergola, solid trellis) for its growth.

Fruits

• Appearance and size: Fruits are medium-sized to very large, regularly surpassing the size of the well-known 'Hayward' variety. They have firm, robust skin protecting them from mechanical damage.
• Flesh and taste: The flesh is typically emerald green, very juicy. The taste is classic "kiwi" – excellent, harmoniously balanced between sweet and sour notes.
• Health benefits: The variety stands out for its exceptionally high content of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It contains up to 85 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of edible portion, which is significantly more than oranges (approx. 50 mg/100 g). Along with other organic acids, this ensures a strong antioxidant effect.
• Storability (Key feature): The high ascorbic acid content and specific fruit structure give the 'TUSCIA®' variety an excellent self-preserving ability. The fruits can be stored in a regular refrigerator (or cooling box) for several months without softening, rotting, or losing quality. This feature makes it a variety with huge commercial potential.

Cultivation properties and characteristics

• Function in the orchard and pollination:
  • Pollinator requirement: Since it is a female plant, it does not pollinate itself. It requires a later-blooming male of the A. deliciosa species (e.g., the mentioned 'Tomuri').
  • Planting ratio: One male reliably pollinates 3 to 5 female 'TUSCIA®' plants.
• Resistance and requirements:
  • Location: Prefers a fully sunny, warm, and sheltered location.
  • Soil (Very important): Ideal soil is slightly acidic (sub-acidic with a pH between 6 and 7), nutrient-rich, and well-drained. It must not be too calcareous.
  • Chlorine sensitivity: Kiwis in general, and the 'TUSCIA®' variety in particular, are extremely sensitive to chlorine. It is necessary to avoid fertilizers containing chlorides (e.g., potassium chloride) and ideally not water with chlorinated tap water directly (let the water stand).
  • Frost resistance: As a representative of the A. deliciosa species, it is relatively frost-hardy in full dormancy (in winter), tolerating drops down to -15 °C to -18 °C. However, young spring shoots are sensitive to late spring frosts.

Drawbacks of the variety:

• Is cross-pollinated – a male plant must also be planted for a crop.
• High sensitivity to chlorine in soil and water (requires caution during fertilization and watering).
• Sensitivity of young shoots to late spring frosts.
• Vigorous growth requires firm support and regular, professional pruning (winter and summer), otherwise the liana will quickly overgrow and yield will decrease.