Selected for self-fertility
It was selected and marketed as self-fertile, with flowers capable of setting fruit on one vine. Actual conditions remain decisive.
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Actinidia deliciosa SOLISSIMO® ‘Renact’ 14cm
Normal price
€17,90
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Actinidia deliciosa SOLISSIMO® ‘Renact’
- SOLISSIMO® · cultivar ‘Renact’
- Selected as self-fertile
- Harvest October–November
- Mature growth 4–8m
Actinidia deliciosa SOLISSIMO® ‘Renact’ brings classic fuzzy kiwi fruit to a cultivar selected for self-fertility, allowing one vine to set a crop. Fast, vigorous growth covers pergolas and large wire systems with generous summer foliage. Oval brown fruit, with familiar green flesh and aromatic flavour, matures late, usually through October and November, creating a distinctive autumn harvest.
It suits gardens where the structure is part of the design: above seating, along a tall wall or over a substantial entrance. The mature vine combines seasonal shade, a clean trained framework and an edible result.
Selected by Jean Renault · licensed through SAPHO · European plant variety right 43520.
What makes it special
The exact cultivar ‘Renact’ stands out for its selection history, late harvest and strong garden presence.
A late harvest
Fruit develops into autumn and is usually picked in October–November, before hard frost.
A French identity
‘Renact’ was selected by Jean Renault in Gorron, France, and is licensed through SAPHO.
Why you will love it: It is a well-documented cultivar for a substantial pergola, with a clear identity and a harvest that carries the garden into autumn.
In the garden & on the terracePositioning & plant combinationsOn a large, sturdy support with maximum sun and shelter from frost and wind.
Ideal position
Give it a permanent pergola or heavy wires on a sheltered south-west aspect. Fast growth and a mature size of 4–8m require room, easy pruning access and clearance from gutters or lightweight structures.
Compatible combinations
Large foliage works with deep blue, silver and white lower planting. Companion roots should remain at the outer edge and tolerate deep but free-draining irrigation.
- Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ — Vertical violet spikes contrast with the horizontal pergola and enjoy sun.
- Stachys byzantina — Soft silver foliage brightens the drier outer edge of the root zone.
- Allium sphaerocephalon — Slender burgundy heads echo mature autumn tones without creating a heavy mass.
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun in a warm, sheltered microclimate.
Water
Even, deep moisture without standing water, especially during fruit development.
Climate & hardiness
Protect young growth from late frost and the whole vine from strong wind.
Safety
Only ripe, washed fruit is intended for eating; the fuzzy skin may be peeled.
Detailed careComplete care guideSoil, watering, support, feeding and cultivar-specific prevention.
Soil
Use rich, deep soil with even moisture and free drainage. Improve the wider structure before planting rather than confining roots to a small pocket of compost.
Watering
Water deeply as the surface dries and monitor closely at flowering, fruit set and swelling. Permanent saturation is as problematic as drought.
Support
Design the metal or timber framework for a mature load, not the small plant at purchase. Include an access route and regular tying points.
Feeding
In spring use mature compost and a balanced feed as directed. Stop strong nitrogen feeding early enough for shoots to ripen before cold weather.
Microclimate
Keep away from frost pockets and exposed corners. A warm wall supports the long ripening season provided the root zone does not dry out.
Shoot control
Guide new shoots while flexible and remove only clear excess. A tangled mature vine later obstructs both ripening and harvest.
From flower to basketFruiting & harvestSimple guidance on pollination, ripening, picking and protecting the crop.
Pollination
‘Renact’ was selected and sold as self-fertile, so one vine can set fruit. Set varies with weather and insect activity, while compatible pollen may improve reliability.
When it ripens
It flowers in May–June on growth from previous-year wood. Fruit ripens late, usually in October–November, with site and temperature shifting the window.
How to harvest
Pick fully developed fruit before hard frost. Firm fruit can finish ripening indoors until it yields slightly to pressure.
Light around the fruit
After fruit set, shorten only shoots causing deep shade or rubbing. Do not suddenly expose fruit during hot weather.
Young / unestablished plant: first build a strong trunk and two permanent arms. Judge cropping only after the framework is established.
Clear pruning planHow to prune this fruiting plantWinter framework · summer control
When to prune
Winter framework · summer control
Flowers are carried on new growth from previous-year wood. Pruning retains the permanent trunk and arms, renews productive laterals and prevents excessive shade.
01
Build
Young vine
Action: Lead one main shoot vertically and remove only damaged growth or strong competitors.
Retain: Keep the foliage and length needed to strengthen roots and reach the main wire.
02
Train
Years 1–3
Action: Create two permanent horizontal arms with evenly spaced laterals. In summer cut fruiting shoots to 4–5 leaves beyond the last fruit.
Retain: Keep healthy previous-year wood close to the framework for next season's flowers.
03
Renew
Year 4 onwards
Action: In winter shorten fruited stems to 3–4 buds beyond the last lateral and gradually renew the oldest from a low bud.
Retain: Retain the permanent framework and enough one-year wood; remove only part of the old laterals each year.
New / productive — retainOlder wood / permanent frameworkCut pointRemoved growth
Clean tools
Use sharp, clean tools suited to the diameter of the wood.
Summer exception
Light shortening after fruit set improves light and access. Heavy renewal waits for dormancy.
Do not do this: Do not remove all previous-year wood or prune late in spring when the vine is in strong sap flow.
Development over timeHow the plant developsA realistic path from establishment to mature form.
Central trunk
The young plant is first organised around one strong leader regardless of its supplied shoot length.
Pergola cover
Permanent arms extend while vertical laterals create summer shade and productive wood.
Mature renewal
Partial annual replacement of old laterals keeps the vigorous vine functional rather than an impenetrable mass.
Mature habit & dimensions
Maturity 5–10 yearsHeight 4–8mSpread 4–8mVigorous pergola vine
A strong permanent framework supports broad leaves and fruiting laterals. The structure must carry mature growth and the crop, not only the young vine.
Form through the seasons
Long season into autumnDeciduousVery fast growthLate fruit
Fruiting seasonA strong permanent framework supports broad leaves and fruiting laterals. The structure must carry mature growth and the crop, not only the young vine.
Winter · leaflessAfter leaf fall, the crown and woody stems remain. Pruning follows this plant’s specific fruiting cycle.
The studies show habit and seasonal development; growth varies with age, climate and cultivation.
What to expect after planting: The young plant is first organised around one strong leader regardless of its supplied shoot length.
History & originCultivar originFrom a seedling of ‘Hayward’ in Gorron, France, to Jean Renault’s selection in 1995.
The story of Actinidia deliciosa SOLISSIMO® ‘Renact’ begins in Gorron, France. In 1995 Jean Renault selected a seedling of Actinidia deliciosa ‘Hayward’ following open pollination by an unknown pollen parent. Its distinguishing quality was useful fruit production with its own pollen.
Several years of observation followed, then propagation by semi-hardwood cuttings in 2005. The selection was recorded as ‘Renact’ and reached the market as SOLISSIMO®. US plant patent USPP23457 records its passage from an individual seedling to a recognised cultivar.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScientific details nobody asked forBotanical detail behind the plant's appearance and behaviour
Self-fertility within the flower
Flowers of ‘Renact’ combine functional stamens and female organs. The cultivar can therefore provide pollen to fertilise its own ovules without depending on a separate male plant. This is a property of reproductive function, rather than simply of abundant flowering.
One fruit, many seeds
A kiwi is botanically a berry: the fleshy ovary surrounds numerous small seeds. Pollination and fertilisation initiate development of the seeds and the fruit around them, linking flower function to successful fruit set.
Frequently asked questions
Six practical answers for choosing, growing, harvesting and pruning this exact cultivar.
01Is it genuinely self-fertile?
‘Renact’ was selected and marketed as self-fertile, so one vine can crop. Weather, insects and site still affect set.
02What is the correct name?
The full identity is Actinidia deliciosa SOLISSIMO® ‘Renact’: SOLISSIMO® is the trade name and ‘Renact’ the cultivar.
03When does it ripen?
Usually in October–November. Harvest before hard frost; firm fruit can soften indoors.
04How large does it become?
The RHS gives a mature range of 4–8m in height and spread. It needs a genuinely large permanent support.
05Does it need a warm site?
Yes. Late ripening benefits from full sun, shelter from wind and freedom from frost pockets.
06When should it be pruned?
Framework and renewal are handled in winter. Light summer shortening after fruit set improves light.
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