CHINESE GOOSEBERRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20306, 13 July 1929, Page 19

CHINESE GOOSEBERRY.

CULTIVATION METHODS. Regarding that handsomo vino the Chinese gooseberry (Actinidia chinensis) * Californian correspondent, writing to a contemporary publication, states: —" Tho several notes that have appeared recently on this (ine vine, and tho fact that one correspondent has tho fruiting form, prompts the remark that if this is also 10 cultivation it is the easiest possible 'natter to graft it on the mnlo form mul have both " Wo have found this actinidia the easiest subject to graft; scions will onite overnight, as may lie proved by tijing two branches, grafting tliern, and placing them in a warm, moist house, ®'«d the ne::t day new cambium will have formed. Actinidia chinensis is hard to r °ot from cuttings, (t, may ho layered e asily ; with us it will climb to the top tho highest trees. The fruits arc very palatable, easily peeled after scalding, ®id in China they are making an excellent " gooseberry" jam of it. Seeds, When available, are genninated readily, ® r 'd the seedlings when large enough are easily grafted with both forms, if desired. here is a suspicion bore that there are P'anta that possess the ability to fruit '"'hen planted alone. We have seen this ?°cur, and can only reason that some individuals possess both reproductive ® r gans." Tho commercial possibilities of hinnso gooseberry remain to be proved, u t it appears to bo hardier than was at nrst expected, and is doing well in many P'aces in this country. Being handsome Eu T ? f!orous > the plant also has a con•Kwabla ornamental value.