ACTINIDIA ARG ISSAI

ACTINIDIA ARG ISSAI
Grower Notes:

Actinidia arguta 'Issai' is commonly referred to as Smooth Issai Kiwi. This hermaphroditic cultivar (perfect flowers) is noteworthy for not needing a male pollinator for fruit production (self-pollinates). It is hardy to Zone 5 with attractive foliage and small, sweet, edible kiwi fruit. Broad, ovate to elliptic, deep green leaves emerge in spring with fragrant, greenish-white flowers that bloom in June. Grape-sized, smooth-skinned delicious kiwi fruit follow in September and October. Fruit typically grow to only 1.5 inches long. They are similar in taste but sweeter than the much larger kiwi fruits sold in grocery stores. Fruits do not need to be peeled - they can be eaten skin and all like a grape.

Smooth Issai Kiwi thrives in full sun to partial shade in organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils.