Issai Kiwi Vine (Height: 2 - 3 FT)
Issai Kiwis, sometimes called Arctic Kiwis, are a smaller, cold hardy version of their larger fuzzy cousins. Issai Kiwis are the size of large grapes, and grow in clusters of 3 or more fruit per stem. The self-fertile vines can be grown on a trellis or fence and make great screening for privacy, or to divide areas of the garden. Mature vines will reach lengths and heights of up to 25 feet, and widths of about 8 feet. They are fast growing, like full sunlight, and grow best in USDA Zones 6 to 9. In early spring the Issai Kiwi vines become covered with fragrant white flowers that grow in bunches. The small, smooth-skinned fruits are ready to harvest in late August. Issai Kiwis taste sweet and tangy like the larger fuzzy kiwis, but they have edible skin that makes eating the smaller fruit fun and easy. They are cold hardy down to 0º Fahrenheit, and can be grown in a wide range of soil types.