What is a goji berry?

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries or Lycium barbarum, are hardy plants that are drought tolerant, disease resistant, and thrive in zones 3-10. These plants are ideal for planting goji seeds and cultivating in your own backyard. The brightly colored orange/red fruit has a slightly sour flavor and is considered a superfood due to its believed benefits, including boosting the immune system and brain activity, protecting against heart disease and cancer, and improving life expectancy.

Native to Asia and long-prized for their health benefits, goji berries are loaded with antioxidants and contain high concentrations of vitamin B, C, and amino acids. They are often made into juice, herbal teas, or enjoyed fresh as a snack in trail mix. Dried goji berries are also popular snacks.

The goji plant is easy to grow and will fruit and flower throughout the summer until the first frost. If left unpruned, these plants can reach heights of 10-13 feet with a spread of about 4 feet. To propagate goji berries and ensure optimal fruit production, consider proper planting techniques and regular maintenance to keep your plants healthy and productive.

Benefits of Growing Goji Berries

Growing your own goji berries offers numerous benefits. The goji berry plant, also known as Lycium barbarum, is adaptable to various soil types, making it a versatile addition to any garden. As the fruit begins to develop, the goji plant transforms into a vibrant fruit bush that is both ornamental and productive.

Planting goji seeds can lead to a rewarding garden experience. The goji plant, part of the plant family Solanaceae, is known for its essential fatty acids and impressive nutritional profile. The berries themselves have a slightly tart flavour and are valued for their fruit quality. With easy harvest techniques and a relatively short time to reach full production, cultivating goji berries can be a fruitful endeavor that enhances both your garden and your diet.

How long does it take goji berry trees to bear fruit?

You will get limited fruit in the first year, but the second year on you’ll get a full crop.

Getting started growing

You can start your goji berry adventure three ways. You can start by planting seeds, which will take the longest to bear fruit.

Alternatively, you can start by planting a root crown cutting, which will produce fruit faster than seeds.

The fastest way to start is with a potted plant.

The delicious outcome will be the same, but how long it takes to get there will vary.

Two ways to grow Goji berries at home

In a container:

• Goji berries love growing in containers. You’ll get a more compact plant while the container prevents the roots from spreading, like raspberries. Goji berries put down a deep tap root, so the minimum size container should be 5 gallons.

In the ground:

• Starting with a pulp pot, it can be planted directly in the ground (pot and all) after you see 6-8” of growth.

How to plant a bare root Goji berry

• Before planting, soak in water for 15 minutes to 1 hour
• With your bare root in the center of your pot, fill the container with potting soil up to the crown of the bare root (Avoid using peat moss as it’s too acidic). The crown is where the bare root starts. The crown should be the same level as the top of the soil.
• Water the plant and add additional soil if the soil settles below the crown
• Place in full sun
• Keep the plant moist
• Give the plant about an inch or two of water every week
• Do not apply any nitrogen and they really don't need any fertilizer

Transplanting your Goji berry plant into the ground

After you see 6-8 inches of growth, your new Goji berry plant is ready for the ground, fiber pot and all. Follow these simple planting steps:

• Locate a spot with full sun, although they can tolerate partial shade
• Test the pH of the soil to be sure it’s between 6.8 and 8.1
• If your pH is low, just add some oyster shell flour
• Plant each Goji berry plant at least 2 feet apart
• Goji berry plants can be trained like a grape vine on a trellis or left as a shrub

Note: Do not apply any nitrogen and they really don't need any fertilizer

How to prune a Goji berry plant

• Don’t prune a Goji berry plant in the first year
• In year 2, choose a main shoot and prune all others below it about 15” from the ground
• When the plant reaches 2 feet tall in the summer, pinch out the growing tips to cause side branching where the fruit will be born
• After your main structure is established, just prune back to the height you want to keep it
• Always remove branches within 15” of the ground
• Prune any unproductive branches
• Thin out branches after the berry season 

Managing Pests and Diseases

Common Pests to Watch For

When growing goji berries, managing pests and diseases is crucial for a successful harvest. Common pests to watch for include spider mites, which can affect the plant's health, especially in hot weather. Powdery mildew, another concern, thrives in conditions with poor air circulation.

To combat these issues, ensure the goji berry plants have adequate spacing and prune to improve air flow around the foliage. Using insecticidal soap can help control pests like spider mites effectively without harming the plants.

Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to maintaining healthy plants that produce abundant, nutritious berries throughout the growing season.

Organic Pest Control Methods

Managing pests and diseases in your goji plant, also known as Lycium barbarum, can be effectively achieved through organic pest control methods. Regularly pruning to shorten lateral branches enhances air circulation, which helps reduce the likelihood of disease.

While the slightly tart flavor of goji berries might attract some pests, the plant’s drought-tolerant nature allows for less frequent watering, which can help deter many common pests. To further protect your goji berries, consider using natural predators and beneficial insects. Ladybugs and lacewings are excellent for controlling aphids and mites, while predatory mites can target spider mites.

Additionally, parasitic wasps, such as Encarsia formosa, can help manage whiteflies. Hoverflies and beetles, including rove and ground beetles, are also effective at controlling a variety of pests. Using these natural predators along with organic sprays will help keep your goji plants healthy and thriving.

Identifying and Treating Diseases

Identifying and treating diseases in goji berry plants is crucial for maintaining their health and productivity. One common issue to watch for is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery coating on leaves and stems, particularly in early spring and during hot weather.

To combat this fungal disease, improve air circulation around plants by pruning lateral branches and ensuring they have adequate space. Applying organic mulch helps maintain soil moisture levels, which can prevent stress and make plants more resistant to diseases.

If powdery mildew appears, treat it promptly with organic fungicides or a solution of insecticidal soap to protect the berries from damage and ensure a full crop of fresh or dried goji berries come harvest time.

Seasonal Care Tips

Winterizing Goji Berry Plants

Winterizing goji berry plants is essential to ensure their survival and health during the colder months. In late winter, prune the plants by trimming back any dead or crossing branches to promote new growth come spring.

Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of each plant to insulate the roots and retain soil moisture, particularly in areas with clay soil that may become waterlogged. Goji berry plants, known for their drought tolerance, still benefit from occasional watering during dry spells to maintain soil moisture levels.

Protect plants from frost by situating them in a location with full sun exposure and good air circulation, and consider covering them with a breathable fabric if severe cold is expected. By taking these seasonal care steps, you can ensure your goji plants remain healthy and ready to produce a new crop of fresh or dried berries in the coming growing season.

Summer Care and Protection from Heat

During the summer months, providing proper care and protection for goji berry plants is essential to ensure optimal growth and fruit production.

Goji plants thrive in full sun but benefit from partial shade during intense heat to prevent stress and sunburn on leaves and berries. Maintain soil moisture by watering deeply and regularly, especially during hot weather, while ensuring the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogged conditions that can harm the roots.

Applying organic mulch around the base of the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for pests such as spider mites, which can thrive in dry conditions, and treat with insecticidal soap as needed to prevent infestations that could damage the berries.

By implementing these summer care tips, gardeners can support healthy goji berry plants that continue to produce delicious fresh or dried berries throughout the season.

Conclusion

In conclusion, growing goji berries can be a rewarding experience due to their adaptability and ease of cultivation. These self-fertile plants, known for their slightly tart berries, thrive in various climates and soils, including clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. Goji berries prefer fertile soil enriched with organic matter, which supports their cultural and nutritional needs.

To start your goji grow, new plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings, but mature plants will yield more fruit. Proper care, such as limiting plant height and pruning during the dormant season in late winter, ensures healthy, vigorous new growth. Reducing terminal growth will maintain the plant's structure and keep it manageable.

The goji plant, with its thorny stems and purple flowers, benefits from ample direct sunlight and regular watering to develop fruit quality. To maintain vigorous growth, ensure the soil structure is well-balanced. Applying mulch can help reduce weeds and retain moisture, especially in early autumn and late spring.

By tending to the goji's specific needs and encouraging its natural growth patterns, you'll enjoy one of the easiest plants to cultivate, providing a beautiful harvest year after year.

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Goji Berry Planting and Growing Guide