Kiwi
Issai (Hardy Kiwi) Pollination Guide
Issai (Hardy Kiwi) is self-fertile — a single tree will produce fruit without a pollination partner.
You don't need a second tree to get fruit from Issai (Hardy Kiwi). It can pollinate itself. That said, having a compatible variety nearby can sometimes improve fruit set and yield through cross-pollination.
Issai (Hardy Kiwi) Quick Facts
Chill Hours
100 hours
Hardiness Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Harvest
September to October
Pollination Note
Rare self-fertile kiwi — most kiwi varieties require separate male and female vines
Planning Your Orchard
Most kiwi varieties are dioecious — you need both a male and female plant. One male can pollinate up to 8 females. Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta) males cannot pollinate fuzzy kiwi (A. deliciosa) females and vice versa.
Browse our orchard planning guide or explore the full permanent plant catalog to find the right varieties for your garden.
Keep a record of every tree you plant — variety, rootstock, location.
Start your free tree log →Compatible Pollination Partners
Can I Grow Issai (Hardy Kiwi)?
Check if your climate has enough chill hours for Issai (Hardy Kiwi). Use GPS, map, or zip code for an instant answer.
Check your location →Interactive Pollination Checker
Compare pollination compatibility across all 85+ fruit varieties in our database.
Open checker →Most people forget within a year.
Which pairs fruited well, what bloomed when, what you did each season — write it down from the start.
Free for up to 30 plants. No card needed.
About Issai (Hardy Kiwi)
Issai is the self-fertile hardy kiwi that makes kiwi growing possible in cold climates — grape-sized, smooth-skinned fruits you eat whole like candy. No peeling needed, no male vine required, and it survives winters down to -25°F.
Growing Challenges
Less vigorous than other hardy kiwis; late spring frosts can kill emerging shoots; needs strong trellis support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close does a pollinator need to be to Issai (Hardy Kiwi)?
For reliable pollination, plant the partner variety within 50–100 feet of Issai (Hardy Kiwi). Bees are the primary pollinators and typically work within this range. In practice, a tree in your yard or even a neighbor's nearby tree can work. The closer the trees, the more consistent the fruit set.
Can I grow just one Issai (Hardy Kiwi) tree?
Yes! Issai (Hardy Kiwi) is self-fertile and will produce fruit as a single tree. You don't need a second tree, though having one nearby can sometimes improve yield.
Other Kiwi Varieties
Related Tools
Pollination Checker
Interactive tool to find compatible pollination partners for any fruit tree.
Can I Grow Issai (Hardy Kiwi)?
Check if your zip code has enough chill hours for this variety.
Chill Hour Checker
Validate chill hours for any fruit tree variety by zip code.
Frost Date Finder
Find your first and last frost dates to plan bloom protection.
Pollination data compiled from university extension services, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) pollination group charts, RosBREED cherry S-allele research, and nursery compatibility guides. Pollination compatibility can vary by region and microclimate. For best results, consult your local extension office.