The Issai Hardy Kiwi is a compact, self-pollinating vine prized for its smooth, grape-sized green fruit with a sweet tropical flavour. Unlike fuzzy grocery-store kiwis, the fruit can be eaten whole right off the vine. Its vigorous twining stems are covered in rich green foliage that creates an attractive screen or arbor covering during the growing season. In late spring, small fragrant white flowers appear before the fruit develops. In the Regina area, Issai performs best in a warm, sheltered microclimate with winter protection, as it is hardier than standard kiwi but can still suffer dieback during severe prairie winters.
- Height: 10–15 ft (3–4.5 m) vine length
- Spread: 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) with support structure
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Growth Rate: Moderate to fast once established
Light: Full sun for best flowering and fruit production - Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture
- Watering: Regular watering during summer, especially during fruiting
- Hardiness: Zone 4b–5 with protection; sheltered south-facing locations work best in Regina
- Support: Requires a sturdy trellis, arbor, or fence for climbing
- Pruning: Prune in late winter to control size and encourage fruiting wood
- Fertilizer: Apply compost or balanced fertilizer in spring
- Winter Care: Mulch heavily around the root zone and protect young vines from harsh winter winds
- Pollination: Self-fertile, so only one plant is required for fruit production