Kiwi Gold

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Sunlit and unmistakably sweet, Kiwi Gold brings a golden, honey-amber berry glow that feels like summer captured in velvet.

Each fruit is tender and aromatic, with a delicate raspberry snap and a juicy, bright flavor that shines in fresh bowls and fruit-forward preserves. Grow it for 90 days of rewarding, cane-borne harvest—ideal for gardeners who want a standout, golden alternative to classic red raspberries.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Kiwi Gold’s golden berries hit sweet first, then a clean, light raspberry tang that stays lively instead of turning syrupy. Use it where you want aroma and juiciness to show—macerate briefly or fold into dairy—so the delicate snap doesn’t get lost to prolonged cooking.

Best Uses

fresh bowls with minimal fuss—berries + a spoonable dollop of cream
quick maceration for a spoonable topping over cheesecake or yogurt
fruit-forward preserves where you want the seeds/jam texture without heavy sweetness
folding into custards and panna cotta for a clean, floral finish

Flavor Profile

honey-amber sweetness tender raspberry snap juicy, bright berry acidity aromatic, delicate perfume

Kitchen Pairings

vanilla Greek yogurt mascarpone dark chocolate lemon zest champagne vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Rubus idaeus (raspberry) like Kiwi Gold, and how can I control it?

Raspberry cane blight and spur blight are common, showing up as gray/black lesions on canes and rotted-looking growth. Prune out and destroy infected canes well below the damage line, then improve airflow by keeping rows thinned and tied to trellises; avoid wetting canes during irrigation. If issues recur each season, use a labeled fungicide for raspberries at budbreak and again according to label timing, and sanitize tools between cuts.

How often should I water Kiwi Gold (Rubus idaeus) during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruiting (roughly spring through harvest), keep the root zone evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1–1.5 inches of water per week depending on heat and rainfall. Use drip irrigation and water deeply so moisture reaches the cane roots, then let the top 1 inch of soil slightly dry before watering again. Consistent moisture reduces berry splitting and helps canes form for next year’s crop.

How do I know when to harvest Kiwi Gold?

Harvest when berries are fully colored (golden/golden-amber) and come off the plant with an easy gentle twist, usually starting around day ~90. Pick at peak ripeness—raspberries keep only a short time after harvest, so refrigerate immediately. If berries are still hard or look pale near the drupe, give them a few more days before picking.