Issai Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta ‘Issai’)

Issai Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta ‘Issai’) is a unique, self-fertile fruiting vine prized for its sweet, smooth-skinned kiwifruit and exceptional cold hardiness. Unlike traditional fuzzy kiwis found in grocery stores, Issai produces small, grape-sized fruits with smooth, edible green skin that require no peeling. The juicy fruit has a rich, tropical flavour similar to conventional kiwi but is sweeter and can be eaten fresh right off the vine.

One of the few self-pollinating hardy kiwi varieties, Issai does not require a separate male pollinator to produce fruit, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners with limited space. While fruit production is improved when planted near another hardy kiwi variety, a single plant is capable of producing reliable harvests on its own. Fragrant creamy-white flowers appear in late spring, attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators before developing into clusters of fruit that ripen in early fall.

This vigorous deciduous vine quickly climbs trellises, pergolas, fences, and arbors, creating lush green coverage while producing abundant harvests once established. In addition to its edible fruit, Issai provides attractive heart-shaped foliage and beautiful seasonal interest, making it both an ornamental and edible landscape plant.

In Alberta, Issai Hardy Kiwi performs best in a sheltered, sunny location with protection from harsh winter winds. While very cold hardy, young plants benefit from winter protection during their first few years as they become established.