Issai Hardy Kiwi is a self-pollinating vine that produces clusters of smooth, grape-sized kiwi fruits on vigorous growth reaching 8 to 12 feet tall and wide. Originally introduced as an ornamental, this cultivar thrives in hardiness zones 6 to 9 and bears its first fruit in 2 to 3 years, rewarding patient gardeners with remarkably sweet, fuzzless kiwis packed with eight times more vitamin C than oranges. The smooth green skin means you eat them whole, like seedless grapes, making this the easiest kiwi variety for home gardens.
120
Full Sun
Moderate
6-9
144in H x 144in W
—
High
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These fuzzless fruits deliver 20% natural sugar content and an exceptional sweetness compared to traditional fuzzy kiwis, while the smooth skin eliminates the peeling chore entirely. A single vine can produce up to 100 pounds of fruit annually once established, and the self-pollinating nature means you don't need multiple plants for a harvest. The rapid, vigorous growth requires sturdy support from the start, but that same vigor means this variety handles heat stress and thrives almost anywhere except waterlogged soil.
Issai Hardy Kiwi fruits are eaten fresh, straight off the vine or from a bowl, thanks to their smooth edible skin and seedless structure. Their grape-like size and sweetness make them ideal for snacking, fruit salads, and dessert platters where their vibrant green color and delicate flavor add visual interest and nutritional punch. The high vitamin C content appeals to health-conscious gardeners seeking homegrown nutrition that rivals commercial supplements.
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Transplant Issai Hardy Kiwi in spring after the last frost date in your region. Harden off nursery-grown vines by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting. Position the root ball at the same depth it was growing in its container, space plants 10 feet apart, and water thoroughly after planting.
Harvest Issai Hardy Kiwi berries in late August through early fall when they reach full green color and yield slightly to gentle pressure. Pick fruits by hand or snip with scissors, taking care not to damage the delicate vine. The berries are ready to eat immediately upon harvest and will continue ripening for a few days at room temperature if picked slightly early.
Prune Issai Hardy Kiwi during winter dormancy to manage the vine's vigorous growth and maintain your support structure. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing canes first, then thin overcrowded growth to improve sunlight penetration and air circulation through the canopy. Cut back lateral growth to 2 to 3 buds from the main stem to encourage a productive framework. The rapid growth habit demands regular pruning to keep the vine from becoming tangled and unproductive.
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“Issai Hardy Kiwi arrived in North America initially as an ornamental curiosity, valued for its attractive foliage and delicate flowers rather than its fruit potential. The variety eventually caught the attention of commercial growers and home gardeners who recognized that these smooth-skinned berries offered a practical alternative to the fuzzy kiwifruit already familiar to American kitchens. Its development as a productive cultivar represents a shift from ornamental appeal to culinary utility, bringing a once-exotic fruit into the reach of gardeners in cooler climates.”