ACTINIDIA ARGUTA «ISSAI»

Botanical Name: Actinidia arguta ‘Issai’
Common Names: Hardy Kiwi, Baby Kiwi, Kiwi Berry
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Water Needs: Moderate; regular watering required, especially in dry periods
Foliage: Deciduous, lush green leaves with a soft texture
Flowers: Small, fragrant white flowers in late spring
Fruit: Small, smooth-skinned, grape-sized kiwis; sweet and edible skin
Growth Rate: Fast-growing vine

Uses:

Edible Landscape Plant:
Actinidia arguta ‘Issai’ is prized for its delicious, bite-sized fruits and its ability to serve as a productive and attractive edible vine in gardens and orchards.

Vertical Gardening:
Ideal for training on trellises, fences, or arbors, making excellent use of vertical space in edible or ornamental landscapes.

Self-Fertile Variety:
Unlike other hardy kiwis, ‘Issai’ is self-pollinating, allowing for a single-plant harvest.

Benefits:

Compact and Productive:
A prolific fruiting vine that’s well-suited to small gardens due to its compact form and self-fertility.

Cold Hardy:
Tolerates cold climates better than the traditional fuzzy kiwi, making it ideal for temperate regions.

Low Maintenance:
Requires basic pruning and seasonal care but is generally pest-resistant and vigorous.

Attractive Foliage and Flowers:
Adds ornamental value with its lush greenery and fragrant blossoms.

Nutritious Fruit:
Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, the fruit is both tasty and healthy, ripening in late summer to fall.

Actinidia arguta ‘Issai’ is a versatile, fast-growing fruiting vine that combines ornamental beauty with practical harvests. Perfect for gardeners seeking a hardy, self-fertile kiwi that thrives in cooler climates and limited space.