1 Issai Hardy Kiwi Plant 3-4 in Starter Self-Fertile Vine for Edible Fruit

The Issai Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta) is a compact, self-fertile kiwi vine prized for producing smooth, grape-sized fruit with thin, edible skin. Unlike fuzzy supermarket kiwis, Issai fruit can be eaten whole right off the vine, offering a sweet, tangy flavor. This starter plant is a great choice for home gardeners who want to grow their own fruit on a trellis, arbor, or fence line.

Issai is valued for its manageable vigor and its ability to set fruit without a separate male pollinator, making it a practical option for smaller gardens and backyard fruit growing. The vine produces attractive green foliage and small fragrant flowers in spring, followed by fruit that ripens in late summer to early fall.

Plant Features

• Self-fertile variety that can set fruit without a separate male vine
• Produces smooth, thin-skinned fruit that can be eaten whole
• Compact growth habit suited to trellis and arbor growing
• Attractive green foliage and small spring flowers
• Hardy perennial vine for home fruit gardens

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Actinidia arguta
• Plant Type: Perennial fruiting vine
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist
• Growth Habit: Climbing vine
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
• Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
• Mature Height: 10-20 feet with support
• Spacing: 8-12 feet apart along a trellis

Planting & Care

Transplant your Issai Hardy Kiwi starter into a prepared planting site with well-drained soil and a sturdy trellis or support structure. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and shelter from strong winds. Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help the vine establish.

Once established, prune to maintain shape and encourage strong fruiting canes. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, and provide regular watering during dry periods. With proper support and care, this vine can become a productive and attractive addition to the edible landscape.

What's Included

One Issai Hardy Kiwi starter plant in a 3-4 inch pot.