A unique Hardy Kiwi variety from Japan, Issai bears heavy crops of large, sweet and delicious fruit. Less vigorous than other varieties of Hardy Kiwi, Issai can be grown on a fence or wall and is ideal for gardeners with limited space. Issai often begins bearing the year after planting and is ready to harvest in mid to late September. Issai is reportedly self-fertile although we have found that crops will be heavier and more reliable if it is planted with a male for pollination.

Latin Name: Actinidia arguta

Class: Hardy Kiwi

Size at Maturity: 15-20 ft. wide or tall, Issai 8-10 ft.

Pollination: Hardy Kiwi females require a male for pollination. Issai is somewhat self-fertile but plant with a male for larger and more reliable crops.

Pests & Diseases: Kiwis have suffered no significant pest or disease problems in North America.

Hardiness: issai is hardy to approx. minus 15°F.

Bearing Age: 3-4 years after planting, Issai; 1-2 years after planting.

Bloom Time: May

Ripening Time: September-October

Yield: 100+ lbs.

Special Care: Spacing & Support: All species of Kiwis are vines that need support. Fuzzy Kiwis and Hardy Kiwis are particularly vigorous and require strong support to hold up the plants and the abundant fruit. Issai Hardy Kiwi, Silver Vine and Arctic Beauty Kiwi are less vigorous and can easily be grown on a fence or smaller arbor. Space Hardy Kiwis and Fuzzy Kiwis 12-15 ft. apart. Issai Hardy Kiwi, Silver Vine and Arctic Beauty Kiwi can be spaced 8 ft. apart or less, with attentive pruning to keep them from crowding. To grow one male and one female of either the Fuzzy or Hardy Kiwis, you should have at least 12 ft. of space available. The Male plant needs much less space than the female and can be pruned more severely. More information will be found in our Kiwi Growing Guide, included with each order. Also see our Kiwi Growing Publications in the Book Section.

USDA Zone: 5

Sunset Western Zone: A1-A3, 1-10, 12, 14-24

Sunset Northeast Zone: 31, 32, 34-41

Native Area: Eastern Russia and China