Actinidia arguta 'Issai' (self-fertile)

Cocktail Kiwi Actinidiaceae

The hardy kiwi for those who would rather not give half the garden over to a pollination partner. ‘Issai’ is a remarkably useful self-fertile hardy kiwi, producing clusters of small, smooth-skinned green fruits that can be eaten whole, usually ripening in late summer. The fruit is grape-sized, sweet and aromatic, although generally smaller than that of other A. arguta selections. 

Its history is slightly more intriguing than the usual nursery label suggests. ‘Issai’ is Japanese in origin and was introduced into North America in 1986. Its exact origin is uncertain: Japanese research has found that ‘Issai’ is not regarded as a true Japanese cultivar and that its original provenance has never been established. It is hexaploid (7x according to one detailed fruiting study), and its unusual ability to set fruit without viable pollen appears to involve parthenocarpic fruit development rather than conventional self-fertilisation. 

An excellent choice where space is limited, though still a vigorous climber requiring substantial support.

• Hardiness: H6, –20 to –15°C 
• Height: 4–6 m
• Spread: 2–4 m
• Flowers: May–June
• Fruit: August–September
• Pollination: Self-fertile