Actinidia arguta 'Issaï' (self-fertile) (female)

Natives to woodlands in Eastern Asia, Hardy Kiwis (Actinidia arguta), are deciduous, fast growing vines.

The Issaï cultivar is often called “Actinidia arguta ‘Issaï’”, however it should be more accurately named “Actinidia arguta x rufa ‘Issaï’”. Actinidia arguta ‘Issaï’ is the result of a cross breeding between Actinidia arguta and Actinidia rufa (“Actindia rufa” being previously known as “Actinidia arguta var. Rufa).

Greenish white scented flowers emerge in late spring to early Summer followed by sweet edible grape of green fruits. It can tolerates temperatures as low as -25 °C.

'Issaï' is parthenocarpic (it is capable of inducing fruit production without fertilization of its ovules by a male variety). As such, it is considered a self-pollinating kiwi cultivar that does not necessarily require a separate male pollinator for fruit production. However, especially in hardiness zone 5b, it will improve its yield to be planted near a male "Actinidia arguta" variety.

In order to pollinate 6 to 8 female Kiwi plants one male Kiwi plant is required. We recommend to plant one of the following male varieties alongside your female Kiwi plants: Actinidia arguta ‘Weiki M’, Actinidia arguta ‘Meader' or Actinidia arguta ‘Andrew’.