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.
FAQs about Growing Goji Berries
-
What are goji berries?
-
Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are small fruit crops with a slightly tart flavor. They are often enjoyed fresh or as dried fruit and are praised for their health benefits.
-
-
Where can I buy a goji berry plant?
-
You can purchase a goji berry plant from a local nursery, garden center, or order one online.
-
-
What are the different varieties of goji berry plants?
-
Some popular varieties include Crimson Star, Phoenix Tears, and Chinese wolfberry.
-
-
What kind of soil is best for growing goji berries?
-
Goji berries thrive in well-drained soil. This helps prevent root rot and promotes a healthy root system. Incorporating organic matter into the soil can further improve its fertility.
-
-
When is the best time to plant goji berries?
-
The best time to plant goji berries is in early spring when the soil has warmed up.
-
-
How do I plant a goji berry bush?
-
Plant the goji berry bush in a large pot or directly in the ground. Ensure it has fertile soil with good drainage and a sunny location.
-
-
How much water do goji berry plants need?
-
Goji berry plants need consistent moisture. Drip irrigation is an efficient way to keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering.
-
-
What is the ideal plant height for a goji berry bush?
-
A mature goji berry plant typically reaches a height of 3 to 6 feet. If you want to limit plant height, regular pruning can help keep the plant manageable.
-
-
How can I ensure my goji berries produce more fruit?
-
Regular pruning of the main stem and branches can help your goji berry plant focus its energy on producing more fruit. Pruning also helps to limit plant height and maintain a good structure for fruit production.
-
-
When do goji berries typically start to produce fruit?
-
Goji berries usually begin to produce fruit in early summer and can continue into mid-summer.
-
-
How do I know when goji berries are ready to harvest?
-
Goji berries are ready to harvest when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Avoid picking bruised berries.
-
-
How can I make harvesting manageable?
-
Using a large pot or keeping your goji berry bush pruned to a manageable size can make harvesting easier. Ensuring the plant is in well-drained soil can also help.
-
-
What are common pests and diseases that affect goji berry plants?
-
Common issues include pests like aphids and diseases such as powdery mildew. Regular inspection and appropriate treatments can help keep your plant healthy.
-
-
Can goji berries be grown in all climates?
-
Goji berries grow best in USDA growing zones 5 through 9. They require a period of cold dormancy to produce fruit. If you are in a different climate, consider growing goji berries in containers.
-
-
How do I care for goji berries during the off-season?
-
In late winter, prune the plant and ensure it has well-drained soil and adequate nutrients to prepare for the growing season. Mulch can help retain soil moisture and protect the roots.
-
-
Are there any special considerations for growing goji berries in containers?
-
Yes, when growing goji berries in a large pot, ensure it has drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix that drains well. The pot should be large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
-
-
What is the blossom end of a goji berry?
-
The blossom end is the part of the fruit where the flower was attached before it developed into a berry.
-
-
What is a matrimony vine?
-
Matrimony vine is another name for the goji plant, referring to its traditional use in Chinese medicine and cuisine.
-
-
How do goji berries taste?
-
Fresh goji berries have a slightly tart flavor, which can become sweeter as they ripen.
-
-
Can I grow goji berries indoors?
-
Yes, you can grow goji berries indoors in a sunny location with ample space for the plant to grow, ideally in a large pot with well-drained soil.
-
-
How can I improve the soil for my goji berry plants?
-
Adding organic matter to the soil can enhance its fertility and soil structure, helping your goji berry plants thrive.
-
-
What should I do if my goji berry plant's growth becomes too vigorous?
-
To manage excessive growth, regularly prune to limit plant height and maintain a balanced shape. This will also help improve air circulation and fruit production.
-
By addressing these common questions and using the right techniques, you can successfully cultivate goji berries and enjoy their many benefits.
42 comments
My goji berry is 3-4 years old and blooms late September, 2-4 weeks before the first frost…no fruit. Is there something I could do to get the plant to bloom at the correct time and produce fruit?
Hey great post on goji berries and how to grow them. I absolutely love goji berries for their jing restorative properties. They go great in recipes as well and seem to pair very well with cacao.