Issai Self-Fertile Hardy Kiwi

Issai Self-Fertile Hardy Kiwi

Issai Self-Fertile Hardy Kiwi is a self-fertile hardy kiwi and a unique Japanese variety prized for its heavy crops of large, sweet and delicious fruit. Less vigorous than other varieties of Hardy Kiwi, Issai Hardy Kiwi can be grown on a fence or wall and often begins bearing the first year after planting. Furthermore, this hardy kiwi is self-fertile so perfect for those without a lot of space.

Check out this wonderful growing guide from the Oregon State University Extension Program.

If you like Fuzzy Kiwis, you’ll love this new and delectable fruit Sparkling like green or red jewels, each very sweet fruit is packed with flavor. While smaller than Fuzzy Kiwi, you can eat fuzz-less Hardy Kiwi fruit like grapes, tender skin and all. Hardy to minus 25º F., or below and free of pest and disease problems, you can harvest 100 lbs. or more of fruit from one Hardy Kiwi plant.

Hardy Kiwi likes half day to full sun and well-drained soil. A male plant is required for pollination, and one male plant can pollinate up to 8 female plants. Hardy Kiwi ripens in mid to late September. The plants need a strong trellis and can spread 10-12 ft or more when mature. They usually begin bearing 3-4 years after planting.

Click here to view our Kiwi Growing Guide!

Latin Name: Actinidia arguta
Site and Soil: Hardy Kiwi likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile, but will produce more with Male Hardy Kiwi
Hardiness: Hardy to -10° F. or below.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 8-10 ft. in width on trellis, arbor or other support.
Taste: Sweet
Fruit Size: Large
Bloom Time: May
Ripening Time: September-October
Yield: 100+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Hardy Kiwis are not bothered by significant pest or disease problems.
USDA Zone: 6-9