Buying Kiwi

Over 40 varieties of fresh kiwi fruit are available all over the world from multiple countries, including New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Chile, and parts of Europe. With millions of pounds of fresh kiwi varieties imported and exported between these countries and others, is really easy to buy kiwi fruit at a number of locations

Where to Buy Kiwi Fruit

• Farmers' markets. In the United States, California is the main provider of kiwi, with 98% of the country's production. The Californian kiwi is produced by less than 300 growers and is ready for purchase in the winter months. States along the eastern coast, including Maryland, have begun growing kiwi varieties as well, and they can be found at farmers' markets on a much smaller scale.

• Supermarkets. Fresh kiwi can be found in most supermarkets in the produce section among other common fruits. The best way to tell if a kiwi is ready to eat is to press your thumb firmly on the surface. If it gives in to the pressure, the fruit is ripe. Nowadays, you can buy kiwi fruit in most supermarkets across the United States and Europe.

• Online retailers. There's a wide variety of kiwi products online, from kiwi supplements, such as capsules or athletic drinks, to skin care products, such as lotions and creams. You can also buy kiwi fruit seeds online, and there are plenty of brands to choose from to find the ideal kiwi product for specific usages.

Kiwi Plants for Sale

Kiwi plants are available in plant nurseries and garden centers in a variety of different forms. When purchasing a kiwi plant, keep in mind that certain factors such as species type, zone compatibility, and proper pollination will affect the shape, size, and flavor of the kiwi fruit.

As the world's leading producer of kiwi fruit, New Zealand has a special registration in place to ensure that the country's standards are meet in all nurseries that offer kiwi plants for sale, as well as rootstocks, or seedlings. Currently, New Zealand has 42 registered kiwi plant nurseries;however, it is also possible to find kiwi vines for sale in garden supply stores and plant nurseries of many other countries, as long as those regions reunite the conditions for growing kiwi.

Species type

The Actinidia genus has nearly 50 species, many of which have different cultivars of kiwifruit. The most popular and widely sold species of fresh kiwifruit is Actinida deliciosa, known for its long shelf life, hairy yet nutritious skin, and bright green, juicy flesh. Here are a few examples of closely related plant species that are available for purchase:

• Actinidia kolomikta. This kiwi species is popularly used as an ornamental plant for house decoration or out in the garden.

• Actinidia arguta. Also known as hardy kiwi, this plant is made up of fast-growing climbing vines that grow along a support system such as a fence, wall, patio overhead, or an arbor. The fruit of this species is very similar to Actinidia deliciosa, yet it has smooth skin and is considered much smaller and sweeter.

Zone compatibility

Kiwi plants have very specific growing conditions necessary to produce fresh kiwifruit and for the overall health of the plant. When purchasing kiwi plants, make sure that the zone range listed includes the area where you are planning to grow them. 

Pollination

All fresh kiwifruits are produced through pollination, so both a female and male plant are needed. The methods of pollination include manually transferring pollen to female flowers or using honeybees. If you have limited growing space, consider buying a kiwi plant that is self-pollinating. 

Kiwi Seeds for Sale

Growing fresh kiwi can take anywhere from four to six years, but for those with patience and determination, kiwi seeds are available through many suppliers. With kiwi varieties and cultivars from all over the world, it is important to know the differences and decide what type of kiwi you want to grow. A popular trend, especially in online sales of kiwi seeds, is a variety of seed colors:

• Green kiwi. The most common kiwi has bright green flesh with brown skin covered in little hairs. If seeking the popular green fresh kiwi, look for seeds that are labelled as Actinidia deliciosa.

• Golden kiwi. This is new kiwi cultivar with a yellow or bronze color and a beak shape at the stem attachment. Golden kiwi fruit has a sweeter, softer flesh with less acidity and more of a tropical flavor. However, golden kiwi has a short shelf life, so only buy golden kiwi seeds if planning to consume the fruit shortly after it ripens.

• Purple kiwi. Many people may have never noticed, but among the black seeds in kiwi are a few scattered dark purple seeds. These seeds are commonly sold to grow a fruit with a sweet yet tart flavor, often compared to that of the gooseberry.

These different types of seeds can vary in growing requirements, including aspects such as pollination and moisture content, so be sure to follow specific instructions for each kind.