'Issai' Hardy Kiwi

An attractive, climbing, deciduous vine that grows at a fast rate and produces edible green kiwis the size of large grapes. The fruit of hardy kiwi are often sweeter and more flavourful than full-size fuzzy kiwis. Hardy kiwi fruit have a thin, edible, smooth skin (no fuzz!), so you can eat the whole thing, without peeling. 

Plan ahead for this vine, with a strong support system or trellis. Think of it like a large grape vine. Growing for 15 years, this vine can reach 20-40 feet in length but can be kept at 8-10 feet with consistent pruning.

As the name suggests, "hardy" kiwis are incredibly cold hardy. These vines can grow outdoors all year and are able to survive temperatures down to -30ºC.

Hardy kiwi can bear fruit the first year after planting. Expect 50-100 pounds of fruit per year from a mature, well-pruned and trellised plant.

Common names: Hardy kiwi, kiwiberry, Issai kiwi, Chinese gooseberry

Edible: Fruit
Harvest timing: late summer to early fall

Scientific name: Actinidia arguta 'Issai'
Light requirements: Full sun, partial shade
Full-grown size: 12-20' long by 2+' wide
Hardiness: Zone 4
Pollination: Self-fertile (doesn’t need separate male and female plants), but cross-pollination increases yields.
Wildlife: Flowers attract bees.
Origin: Japan
Noteworthy: Doesn't require separate male and female plants to produce fruit. Very cold tolerant. Sweeter than fuzzy kiwis.