Issai, Kiwi Plant

Issai Kiwi Plant

Self-fertile vines produce prolific miniature kiwis
Compact growth needs no separate pollinating plant
Hardy perennial thrives across Zones 3–8
Trellis vigorous vines for accessible fruit harvests

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Actinidia arguta

Days to maturity

1 Year

Sun

Full Sun

About Issai, Kiwi Plant, Kiwi Plant

A hardy kiwi plant that produces a large harvest of delicious kiwis! Issai is a self fertile, vining kiwi plant that is very prolific. This plant will grow in zones 3-8 and is very hardy. This mini-Kiwi has a compact growth habit, needs no pollinator, and produces delicious mini kiwis.

Growing details

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Height

Above 96 inches

Growth Habits

Climbing, Vining

Before Planting

Kiwi is a vigorous woody vine that can overwhelm weak structures, so erect a strong pergola or trellis before planting. Choose a sheltered sunny site with deep drainage and protection from late spring frost. Match cultivar hardiness to the region and verify whether separate male and female plants are required.

Planting

Plant dormant vines in spring after the coldest weather has passed. Set the root crown at nursery depth, spread roots through a broad hole, and position male and female vines within pollinating distance. Water well and select one strong shoot to become the permanent trunk.

Watering

Young vines need regular deep watering, while mature plants require dependable moisture from bloom through fruit sizing. Mulch the root zone but keep material off the trunk. Avoid saturated soil, which quickly injures kiwi roots.

Fertilizer

Begin fertilizing lightly only after new growth confirms establishment. Split nitrogen into spring applications rather than one heavy dose, and avoid late feeding that keeps vines tender going into winter. Base potassium and other nutrients on testing.

Harvesting

Fruit may reach full size before it is ready to eat. Harvest hardy kiwi when berries soften and develop sweetness; fuzzy kiwi is commonly picked mature-firm before frost and ripened indoors. Handle fruit gently to prevent bruising.

Tips

Train one trunk to the support and develop permanent horizontal arms. Winter pruning renews fruiting laterals, while summer pruning restrains rampant shoots and improves light. Avoid major pruning during heavy spring sap flow.

Pests & Diseases

Bacterial canker is a major kiwi threat, causing red or white ooze, cane dieback, and flower loss; Phytophthora root rot and Botrytis also occur. Purchase clean plants, prune in dry weather, disinfect tools between vines, and protect trunks from injury. Remove severely cankered wood well below symptoms.

Japanese beetles, scale, mites, root-knot nematodes, crown gall, birds, and deer may damage vines or fruit. Protect young trunks, sanitize pruning tools, maintain drainage, and net ripening crops where wildlife pressure is high.