Actinidia glabra
Actinidia glabra
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Pl. D231 — Actinidia glabra
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IOverview
Overview
Actinidia glabra, commonly known as silver vine or Chinese gooseberry, is a deciduous climbing vine native to the south-central and southeastern regions of China and Vietnam. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial sun exposure and grows well in various soil types, including sandy, medium, and clay soils. Known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in culinary applications, A. glabra is a notable addition to gardens and landscapes due to its ornamental value as well. One distinctive feature of this vine is its ability to climb up to 13.5 meters; another is the unique aroma of its leaves, which some find reminiscent of catnip.
Quick answers
What is Actinidia glabra?
Actinidia glabra, commonly known as silver vine or Chinese gooseberry, is a deciduous climbing vine native to the south-central and southeastern regions of China and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Actinidia glabra thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions but may struggle in extreme climates. The plant grows up to 13.5 meters tall and produces edible fruit. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best growth and fruit production. Propagate through cuttings or seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Mature size
13.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Actinidia glabra for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, light-loving Actinidia glabra for your first planting experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Actinidia glabra plant and some basic gardening tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall when temperatures are cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining, with a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) textures. For containers, use a pot at least 50 cm wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the young plant into your prepared soil, ensuring it is planted at the same depth as in its container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days after planting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize once in spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and encourage fruiting.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Actinidia glabra, or Chinese gooseberry, is eaten for its fruit. The fruit can be consumed raw, added to salads, or cooked in desserts and jams. Occasionally, the fruit is also dried for later use.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 3 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaVietnam
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · d231f20b-5939-498e-ab58-4919496ebb99
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