Kiwi 'Issai' (Actinidia) - climbing fruit tree - 11 cm pot - Height 40 cm - Set of 2

No, the Kiwi Arguta Issai (Actinidia arguta 'Issai') is a self-fertile cultivar, meaning a single plant is sufficient to produce fruit. This is precisely its main advantage over other Actinidia varieties, which require a male plant and a female plant. However, if you wish to maximize production, planting two plants close together further improves pollination and increases the amount of fruit harvested. With two plants as offered in this set, you will therefore obtain an optimal harvest from the very first years of fruiting.

The best time to plant the Kiwi Arguta Issai in the ground is in spring, from April to May, when frost is no longer a concern and the soil has warmed up. It can also be planted in autumn in regions with a mild climate. Dig a pit at least 50 cm on each side, mix the excavated soil with well-rotted compost to enrich and lighten the soil. Install a sturdy support immediately, as the vine ofActinidia arguta can easily exceed 5 metres in a few years. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the roots during the first few winters.

The Kiwi Arguta Issai is one of the hardiest kiwi species available in garden centers. As anActinidia arguta, it can tolerate temperatures down to -20°C once properly established, allowing it to overwinter outdoors in almost all regions of France. During its first year, it is advisable to protect the base with a thick mulch of fallen leaves or bark to preserve the still-developing root system.

The fruits of the Kiwi Arguta Issai ripen in autumn, generally from late September to October depending on the region and the year's sunshine. Unlike the classic kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa), the fruits of Actinidia arguta 'Issai' are small, the size of a large cherry to a grape, and their thin skin is entirely edible: you bite into them directly without peeling them, which makes them very convenient to eat. They offer a sweet, slightly tart, highly aromatic flavor and are rich in vitamin C.

The Kiwi Arguta Issai s'is pruned in two stages to combine vigor and production. In winter, after the leaves have completely fallen and ideally in January-February, shorten the fruiting side shoots to 2 or 3 buds and remove dead wood or tangled branches. This winter pruning structures the vine's framework and prepares it for the following season. In summer, between July and August, pinch back non-fruiting vegetative shoots to 5 or 6 leaves above the last fruit: this concentrates the sap towards fruiting and promotes better ripening.

The Issai Arguta Kiwi is not very demanding regarding soil type, provided it is well-drained: it tolerates both light sandy soils and loamy soils, provided 'they are neither waterlogged nor constantly saturated wit'h. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6 and 7: overly alkaline soils cause iron chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves), which weakens the plant. At planting, enrich the soil with compost or potting mix to stimulate early growth.

The Kiwi Arguta Issai can be grown in a pot on a balcony or terrace, but with some important precautions. Choose a large container d'of at least 40 to 50 liters, filled w'ith a well-draining, rich substrate (horticultural potting mix mixed with pumice). The vine needs d'a sturdy support even in a pot: a trellis attached to a wall or railing is essential. In a pot, the plant suffers more from summer heat: frequent watering (every 2 to 3 days in midsummer) and monthly fertilization with a fruit fertilizer are necessary.