Fruit Tree Cottage stocks the Kiwiberry Issai variety which is an unusual and rather wonderful fruiting vine. The Issai variety is self-fertile and starts to produce its first fruit at around 18-24months. Kiwiberries are deciduous vines, so will be bare of leaves in Winter.
It's long lived and once well-established it is a good cropper. In our South East Queensland climate it prefers to grow and fruit in a shaded area protected from winds.
The fruit are delicious, very sweet with a hint of tart, and taste similar to kiwi fruit but without the rough hairy outer skin. You can eat the entire fruit fresh from the vine - or pop it in a smoothie, chop it into a fruit salad or include it on a cheese and fruit platter. It’s also ideal to dehydrate and eat as a dried fruit or to use in preserves.
The Kiwiberry is also sometimes known as the baby kiwi, hardy kiwi or arctic kiwi.
It grows well in a large pot and can be kept on a balcony, verandah or patio. It will need a structure to climb on - it can be trained along a fence, grown on a trellis or an arch or pergola.
Please contact us if you have any questions about buying this fruit tree.
Tree Specifications
- Scientific Name
- Actinidia Arguta 'Issai'
- Pot Size
- 90mm
Top Tips for Planting
In the SE QLD climate, the Kiwiberry will thrive when planted in areas with shade and filtered light.
Well drained soil is essential.
Top Tips for Growing
The Kiwiberry grows well planted in the ground or in a large pot and it can be kept on a balcony, verandah or patio. It will need a structure to climb on - it can be trained along a fence, grown on a trellis or an arch or pergola.
Regular watering is required - especially during the flowering and fruiting periods to prevent fruit drop.
FAQs
Is this vine deciduous?
Yes - the kiwiberry is deciduous, so you can expect it be largely bare of leaves during the Winter months.
Did You Know
Did you know that the Kiwiberry is a Perennial (long-lived) vine? It is also a good cropper and in ideal growing conditions and with good management a mature vine can produce plenty of fruit a year. They have a smooth outer skin - unlike the kiwi fruit which has a rough hairy outer skin. They are generally plucked straight from the vine and eaten fresh. In SE QLD they prefer to grow in part sun part shade or filtered sunlight as it offers some protection from the heat of the sun and hot winds.
Delivery Information
Please contact us if you would like to discuss delivery options. There is a minimum order requirement of $65 and delivery charges apply. Alternatively, order online and come and collect from us. See our Collection and Delivery Policy (Shipping Policy) for more information.
Fruit Trees make Great Gifts!
How about giving a Fruit Tree for someone's birthday or special occasion?
For something extra special, you can choose a tree that will bear fruit around that time.
Check out our Fruiting Calendar to find the perfect variety.
Not sure what to choose? Consider a gift card.