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

Native 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-like green fruits. It 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 when 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’.