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-pollinating (so it doesn't require a separate male or female plant). It can also act as a pollinator for other female hardy kiwi varieties. Cross-pollination will increase yields.
Wildlife: Flowers attract bees
Origin: Japan
Noteworthy: Doesn't require separate male and female plants to produce fruit. Very cold tolerant.
WE DO NOT SHIP LIVE PLANTS. THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP AT OUR NURSERY IN ERRINGTON, BC.
