Issai Hardy Kiwi

Issai Hardy Kiwi | Actinidia arguta ‘Issai’ | Issai Fuzzless Kiwi | Actinidia ‘Issai’

Issai Hardy Kiwi is a vigorous, sun-loving deciduous fruiting vine prized for its spectacular, continuous profusion of small, sweet, smooth-skinned green kiwis that can be eaten whole, straight from the vine. This exceptionally tough, cold-hardy selection is known for being uniquely self-fertile (requiring no male pollinator to produce fruit) and for bearing its delicious crop much earlier in life than other standard varieties. Its lush, dark green foliage and fragrant white spring flowers make it a spectacular, low-maintenance climber for sunny pergolas, trellises, and sturdy landscape fences. With its bold, tropical texture and reliable performance through challenging conditions, Issai offers an extraordinary display of lush greenery and rewarding, exceptionally sweet harvests with exceptionally straightforward care.

Growing Issai Hardy Kiwi

Light: Full sun to partial shade; thrives in bright, direct sunlight (at least 6 to 8 hours per day) which is absolutely required to produce the most abundant, sweetest fruit and maintain vigorous growth.

Soil: Rich, well-drained soil; highly adaptable to average soils as long as drainage is excellent. It prefers a slightly acidic, loamy soil amended with compost and is highly susceptible to root rot in heavy, waterlogged clay.

Water: Moderate; water regularly to keep the soil consistently and evenly moist, especially during the active growing and fruiting season. It is not highly drought-tolerant and requires supplemental watering during hot, dry spells to support fruit development.

Maintenance: Exceptionally low maintenance. Provide a very sturdy trellis or support structure to hold the weight of its heavy, vigorous vines. Prune regularly during late winter dormancy to control its size, improve airflow, and encourage fresh new fruiting wood.

Wildlife: The sweet fruit is highly attractive to birds and other wildlife; young foliage may require protection from deer.

Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 5–9; exceptionally cold-hardy and reliable across a wide range of climates provided it has excellent winter drainage.

Shipping Info

Issai Hardy Kiwi plants are shipped as healthy young starts in 4" nursery pots. Allow 1–2 weeks after arrival for plants to recover from shipping and resume active growth before repotting or planting outdoors.