Hardy Kiwi Actinidia arguta 'Issai' (s-p/f)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Issai' is a variety of kiwi that is admired for several distinctive features. Unlike its fuzzy kiwi relatives, this plant bears smooth-skinned fruit that is typically smaller in size and can be eaten whole without the need to peel. The fruits are typically grape-sized and boast a sweet and tangy flavor that is often enjoyed fresh. The vine that produces these delectable fruits is vigorous and fast-growing, often characterized by its twining and climbing habit that allows it to scale structures and spread across spaces with the proper support. The leaves of the 'Issai' kiwi are large, heart-shaped, and have a bright, verdant green hue that can add a lush look to gardens or landscapes. During the flowering season, the plant showcases small, fragrant white flowers that are both appealing to pollinators and lovely to behold. These blossoms eventually give way to the edible fruit, which is the main draw for many growers. As a hardy variety, the 'Issai' kiwi can withstand a range of climates and can bring a touch of the exotic to temperate gardens, where it provides both visual appeal and a tasty harvest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Actinidiaceae.
Synonyms
Hardy Kiwi, Issai Hardy Kiwi, Baby Kiwi, Cocktail Kiwi, Mini Kiwi, Arctic Kiwi, Bower Actinidia, Kolomikta Vine, Tara Vine.
Common names
Actinidia arguta 'Issai'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Actinidia arguta 'Issai' is commonly known as the hardy kiwi or baby kiwi. This plant is not considered toxic to humans. It produces edible fruit and there are no commonly reported symptoms of poisoning from consuming the fruit or other parts of the plant. Therefore, ingesting the hardy kiwi should not pose any health risks under normal circumstances.
To pets
The hardy kiwi is not considered toxic to pets. It is not reported to cause symptoms of poisoning in animals such as cats and dogs. While the fruit is edible to humans, pets may have different digestive systems, so it is always a good practice to be cautious and introduce any new foods, including hardy kiwi fruit, to pets in moderation. However, there are no specific toxic consequences known from pet ingestion of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
12 feet (3.65 meters)
Spread
12 feet (3.65 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Self-Pollinating: 'Issai' is a self-fertile variety of hardy kiwi, which means it does not require a separate male plant for pollination and fruit set.
- Compact Growth: With its compact growth habit, 'Issai' is suitable for smaller gardens or spaces.
- Ornamental Value: The plant features attractive foliage and white flowers, adding aesthetic appeal to the landscape.
- Edible Fruit: Produces small, sweet, edible fruits similar to kiwifruit, but without the fuzz and no need to peel before eating.
- Early Fruiting: 'Issai' can bear fruit at an earlier age than other kiwi varieties, sometimes as early as one to two years after planting.
- Cold Hardy: As a hardy kiwi, it can withstand colder temperatures better than the common kiwifruit, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Longer Fruit Season: The fruiting season for 'Issai' is typically longer than for other kiwi varieties, extending the availability of fresh fruit.
- Pest Resistance: This variety has some resistance to common kiwi pests, potentially reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- High in Nutrients: The fruits are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, potassium, and other nutrients.
- Versatile Use: The fruits can be used in a variety of culinary applications, from fresh eating to jams, desserts, and salads.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant's flowers can attract pollinators, while the fruit may attract birds and other wildlife.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The cut branches of the kiwi vine can be used to create natural supports for other plants in the garden, providing an eco-friendly alternative to plastic or metal stakes.
- Kiwi vines can be trained to create living shade structures or green curtains, offering a cooling effect and visual interest in garden spaces or on patios.
- The fiber from kiwi vine bark can be utilized in crafting, especially in making strong, natural twines or ropes.
- When pruned, the leaves of the kiwi vine, which are dense and lush, can be used as a mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Young, tender shoots of kiwi vines can be harvested and used as an edible garnish, though not commonly practiced.
- The wood from the kiwi vine, though not commercially important, could be used in small woodworking projects, such as making beads or small carvings.
- In ornamental uses, the vigorous kiwi vines can be grown on trellises or arches to create dynamic garden features and provide habitats for beneficial insects.
- The dense foliage of the kiwi vine can function as a privacy screen when grown along fences or in rows.
- Kiwi vines may be used in educational gardens or settings to teach about pollination and fruit development, as they require both male and female plants to set fruit.
- In permaculture design, kiwi vines can be part of a 'food forest' setup, contributing to the vertical layering and diversity of the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hardy Kiwi is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hardy Kiwi is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Actinidia arguta 'Issai', commonly known as the hardy kiwi, can withstand colder climates, symbolizing an ability to endure and adapt to challenging conditions.
- Growth and Vitality: As a fruit-bearing plant, the hardy kiwi represents growth, fecundity, and the sustenance of life, reflecting vigor and the capacity for regeneration.
- Rarity: Being a less common variety of kiwi, this plant symbolizes uniqueness and rarity, suggesting a treasure or something special that is not commonly found.
- Health: Since kiwi fruits are rich in vitamins and nutrients, the plant is often associated with good health and well-being.
- Connections: The vine-like nature of the hardy kiwi, which connects to various points as it grows, can symbolize interconnectedness and relationships.
WaterThe Hardy Kiwi, or Actinidia arguta 'Issai', prefers consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. It's important to check the top inch of soil for dryness and water when it feels dry to the touch. In general, watering once a week with about 1.5 gallons per plant should be sufficient, but this can vary depending on weather conditions and soil type. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to maintain soil moisture. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
LightThe Hardy Kiwi requires full sun to partial shade, thriving best in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. An ideal spot would be east or west-facing where the morning or afternoon sun can provide ample light without the intensity of midday sun which, in very hot climates, can sometimes be too harsh.
TemperatureThe Hardy Kiwi is quite hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -25°F and as high as 85°F, though the ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 75°F. It's a resilient plant that can handle frost, but younger plants may need protection from extreme winter temperatures.
PruningThe Hardy Kiwi should be pruned to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and promote better air circulation. Prune in the late winter while the plant is dormant for best results. Annual pruning is recommended to encourage the growth of fruiting spurs. Removing some of the older growth every few years can rejuvenate the plant and increase its yield.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta 'Issai') should be well-draining with high organic matter content, such as a mixture of loam, peat, and coarse sand or perlite. Aim for a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingThe Hardy Kiwi can be repotted once every 2 to 3 years or when it has outgrown its current container. It's best to repot in the early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingThe Hardy Kiwi prefers humidity levels of 40-60%. Adequate air circulation is important to prevent mold and mildew.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, high humidity, and space for growth.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide support for vines, and protect from wind.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleActinidia arguta 'Issai', commonly known as the 'Issai' hardy kiwi, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in spring, given proper conditions of soil warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges, developing into a vine that undergoes rapid vegetative growth, and can start bearing small fruits as early as its third year. Throughout the growing season, the vine produces heart-shaped leaves and, if a male pollinator is present, the plant will produce fragrant white flowers by mid-summer. Upon successful pollination, the flowers develop into kiwi berries that ripen by late summer to fall. After fruiting, the vine enters dormancy during the cold winter months, losing its leaves and conserving energy for the next growing season. 'Issai' hardy kiwi can continue this cycle for many years, often requiring pruning to manage growth and encourage fruit production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Actinidia arguta 'Issai', commonly known as hardy kiwi, is most effectively propagated using softwood cuttings. This method is typically done in late spring or early summer, when the new growth is still flexible but starting to mature. Cuttings should be about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long and include at least two sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end of the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cuttings are then placed in a well-draining soil mix, such as half peat and half perlite, and kept moist. To maintain a high humidity level around the cuttings, a plastic cover or a propagation dome can be used. Under appropriate conditions, roots will typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new hardy kiwi plants can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before being planted out.
