Description Rossana is a large-fruited kiwi berry selection valued for impressive berry size and heavy cropping once established. The smooth, green fruit sizes up generously for a hardy kiwi, and many growers notice a pleasing blush as berries mature—an easy visual cue that harvest is getting close. 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 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 for kiwi berries; commonly reported up to about 1/2 oz Flavor: Sweet, classic kiwi flavor Color: Green skin and green flesh; often develops a red blush as it matures 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: Strong production potential once mature and well managed Growing Details Latin Name: Actinidia arguta ’Rossana’Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soilHardiness: USDA Zones 4–9Rootstock: Own-root (propagated from cuttings)Bearing Age: Typically 3–4 years after planting once vines are well established and properly trainedSize at Maturity: Vigorous climbing vine; easily maintained at 10–12 ft with regular pruning and trainingBloom Time: Mid-season (varies by region)Ripening Time: Mid to late season within kiwi berries; typically September into October (varies by region)Fruit Size: Large for kiwi berries; commonly reported up to about 1/2 ozPollination: 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 pruningYield: Commonly 50–80 lbs per mature vine under good growing conditions Additional Notes Grower’s Insight: Rossana can set heavy crops—good pruning and training help the vine put energy into finishing berry size and quality rather than just making a wall of growth. Regional Insight: Rossana is a strong fit for growers who want a productive green kiwi berry that sizes up well, especially where hardy kiwis are already thriving on trellises and arbors. Harvest Tip: When vines load up, harvesting in multiple passes helps you pick fruit at its best stage as berries soften and flavor sweetens. Explore more kiwi berry and hardy kiwi vines in our collection: Kiwi & Hardy Kiwi Vines
