I've grown the Gold variety from seed. Mine were started in a pot inside over the winter. They didn't take long to germinate, maybe 10 days. I kept the pot covered until they sprouted and had it on a seed mat. The vines are about a foot long now and still in containers. This isn't a hardy kiwi and will have to be brought inside when it gets cold here. I have no idea if they grow true to the parent or not. I'm pretty sure you need both male and female plants to produce fruit with all kiwi varieties. I know that I have both M&F hardy kiwis growing in my garden.
Karyn