How To Plant, Grow And Care Goji Berries

Understanding the ideal conditions for planting goji berries is crucial for ensuring healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Proper sunlight, well-drained soil, and appropriate spacing are essential factors for successful cultivation.

Light Requirements

Goji berries thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting them in a location with ample sunlight will ensure they produce healthy growth and abundant berries. While they can tolerate partial shade, optimal fruit production occurs in full sun conditions.

Soil Requirements

Goji berries prefer well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.5 to 7.0). Poorly draining soil can lead to root rot and other issues, so it’s important to plant them in a location with good drainage. Conducting a soil test before planting will help determine the pH level and nutrient content of your soil. If necessary, amend the soil with organic matter to improve its structure and fertility.

Spacing

Goji berry plants can vary in size depending on the variety, but they generally require spacing of about 4 to 6 feet apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Proper spacing helps prevent fungal diseases and ensures each plant has enough room to grow to its full potential.

Planting Time

The best time to plant goji berries is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed or in the fall before the ground freezes. Planting during these times allows the roots to establish themselves before the heat of summer or the cold of winter.

Following step-by-step instructions for planting goji berries is essential for ensuring the roots establish well, promoting healthy growth, and preventing issues like root rot and poor fruit production.

1. Choose Healthy Plants

Start with healthy goji berry plants that have well-developed root systems. Purchase these from reputable nurseries or garden centers. Healthy plants should have vibrant leaves and firm, well-formed roots without signs of disease or damage. Selecting robust plants is the first step to ensuring strong growth and abundant fruit production.

2. Prepare the Planting Hole

Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your goji berry plant. This size allows roots to spread easily. If planting multiple bushes, amend the entire bed with compost or organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility, enhancing root development and overall plant health.

3. Planting

Place the goji berry plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the ground to ensure proper root and stem positioning. Backfill the hole with soil, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets that can hinder root growth. Proper planting depth and firm soil contact are crucial for plant stability and growth.

4. Watering

Water the newly planted goji berry thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots, ensuring even moisture distribution. The soil should be evenly moist but not waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. Consistent watering is vital during the initial establishment phase to support healthy root development and reduce transplant shock.

5. Mulching

Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Mulch also suppresses weeds that compete for nutrients. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot and ensure proper air circulation around the base of the plant.

Caring for goji berries involves a few key practices to ensure healthy growth and abundant fruit production. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Watering

Goji berries need consistent moisture, especially during their first growing season. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant but will produce better fruit with regular watering. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.

2. Fertilization

Goji berries do not require heavy fertilization. Too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers and berries. In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or a specialized fertilizer for fruiting shrubs. A light top dressing of compost or well-rotted manure can also provide essential nutrients.

3. Mulching

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots from temperature extremes. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant to prevent rot.

4. Pest and Disease Management

Goji berries are generally hardy but can be susceptible to pests and diseases:

• Aphids: These insects can cause leaf curl and transmit diseases. Control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Spider Mites: These pests cause stippling and yellowing of leaves. Regularly spray the plant with water to dislodge them.
• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease presents as a white, powdery coating on leaves. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may be necessary in severe cases.

5. Temperature and Humidity

Goji berries thrive in a wide range of climates, from cool Zone 3 to hot Zone 9. They produce the best fruit in warm, dry conditions. High humidity and cooler temperatures can slow growth and fruiting.

End-of-season care is essential for goji berries, preparing them for winter and ensuring robust growth in the following season. This care helps prevent diseases, protects against harsh winter conditions, and encourages vigorous growth come spring.

Winter Protection

In colder climates, goji berries benefit from winter protection to prevent root damage and plant stress. Reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy and apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to insulate the roots and prevent heaving caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

In particularly harsh winters, cover the plant with burlap to shield it from cold winds and ice damage. This protective covering helps maintain consistent temperatures around the plant, reducing the risk of winter injury and promoting healthier growth in spring.

Fall Cleanup

After the first frost, conduct a thorough fall cleanup to reduce the risk of diseases. Remove fallen leaves and debris from around the plant base, as they can harbor pathogens. Cut back any dead or diseased wood to prevent the spread of infections.

Clean pruning tools with disinfectant to avoid transferring diseases between plants. This proactive cleanup helps maintain plant health, encourages vigorous growth, and ensures a cleaner, healthier garden environment for the next growing season.

Pruning goji berries encourages healthy growth by removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, allowing the plant to focus its energy on new growth. It increases fruit production by improving air circulation and light penetration, which enhances overall plant health.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to prune goji berry plants:

When and How to Prune Goji Berries

Prune goji berries during the late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant, allowing it to recover quickly and start the growing season with renewed vigor. Light pruning can also be done after the fruiting season to remove dead or damaged branches and tidy up the plant.

Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make precise cuts. Start by removing dead or diseased wood, followed by thinning out crowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. Trim back excessively long branches to encourage bushier growth and shape the plant into an open, vase-like form for optimal sunlight exposure.

Goji berries can be propagated through several methods, including cuttings, seeds, and layering.

Cuttings

Propagating goji berries from cuttings is a simple method. In late spring or early summer, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4- to 6-inch section just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone.

Plant in a well-draining potting mix or a mix of sand and perlite. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment with indirect light, and water regularly. This method is effective for quickly establishing new plants.

Seeds

Growing goji berries from seeds takes longer to produce fruiting plants. Collect seeds from ripe berries, dry them for a few days, and sow in a seed-starting mix. Cover lightly with soil, keep the soil moist, and provide warmth and light for germination.

Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once they are sturdy enough and after the last frost. This method allows for genetic diversity but requires patience.

Layering

Layering is a simple and reliable propagation method. In late spring or early summer, select a low-growing branch, strip off some leaves, and make a small cut on the underside.

Bury this section in soil, leaving the tip exposed, and secure it with a pin or rock. Keep the soil moist. Once roots form, the new plant can be separated from the parent and transplanted. This method ensures the new plant has an established root system.

Division

Division is a quick propagation method, especially useful when suckers appear away from the parent plant. In spring or autumn, dig down to cut these suckers free, retaining as much root as possible. Transplant the suckers to a new location.

This method is fast and effective, allowing for the immediate establishment of new plants. Mild weather during these seasons aids in the successful transplanting and growth of the suckers.

Growing goji berries in pots is ideal for small spaces. Use a pot with good drainage and at least 18 inches deep. Fill it with a well-draining potting mix, including garden soil, compost, and sand or perlite. Plant at the same depth as before, water thoroughly, and ensure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Repot every 1-2 years or when root-bound. Signs for repotting include roots outgrowing drainage holes or the plant becoming unstable. Move to a slightly larger pot, trim damaged roots, and use fresh potting mix. This promotes healthy growth and fruit production.

You'll have to wait a few years for bountiful harvests, unlike some of the best fast-growing fruit trees. Goji shrubs concentrate on growing robust root systems and vibrant foliage throughout their first few years of growth. It's among the best shrubs for landscaping that you can cultivate.

When to Harvest

Goji berries ripen from mid-summer to early fall, varying by variety and conditions. They're ready to pick when fully red and slightly soft. Taste a few to check for sweetness and flavor before harvesting all. Early years focus on root and foliage development, so patience is required for abundant harvests. Proper timing ensures you get the best quality fruit for consumption or storage.

How to Harvest

Gently pull goji berries off the branches to harvest, being careful not to damage the plant or remaining fruit. Use a small basket or container to collect the berries, handling them gently to avoid bruising. This careful approach preserves the berries' quality and helps maintain the health of the goji shrub for future harvests.

Storing Goji Berries

Store fresh goji berries in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, dry or freeze them. To dry, spread berries on a baking sheet in a well-ventilated area or use a dehydrator, then store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Knowing the different goji berry types will help you choose the finest kind for your garden, by considering factors like climate, available area, and desired fruit qualities.

1. Lycium barbarum (Chinese Goji Berry)

Lycium barbarum is the most widely recognized goji berry variety, originating from China. This hardy shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight. The bright red, slightly elongated berries are sweet-tasting and often dried for use in teas, soups, and desserts.

2. Lycium chinense (Chinese Boxthorn)

Lycium chinense, another Chinese variety, is often confused with Lycium barbarum but is typically shorter, reaching up to 6 feet with a bushier growth habit. Well-suited for hedges and garden borders, its berries are slightly smaller, rounder, and have a tangier flavor.

3. Lycium ruthenicum (Black Goji Berry)

Native to the Himalayas and Tibetan regions, Lycium ruthenicum is known for its distinctive black or dark purple berries. This small shrub, around 3-5 feet tall, thrives in well-drained, sandy soil and arid conditions. The tart, slightly sweet berries are rich in anthocyanins, providing their deep color and potent antioxidant properties.

4. Phoenix Tears (Hybrid Goji Berry)

Phoenix Tears is a hybrid goji berry variety developed for improved growth and berry production, combining traits of several species. Known for its vigorous growth up to 8-10 feet tall, it is drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soil types. The medium-sized, bright red berries have a balanced sweet-tart flavor and are highly prolific.

5. Tibet Goji (Himalayan Goji Berry)

Sourced from the high altitudes of the Himalayas, Tibet Goji is known for its resilience and high nutritional value. This robust shrub can reach up to 6 feet and thrives in harsh climates and poor soil conditions. The bright orange-red, medium-sized berries have a slightly sweeter flavor and are often marketed for their superior quality.

6. Crimson Star (Goji Berry)

Crimson Star is a hybrid goji berry variety favored for its large berries and high yield, making it ideal for commercial production. Growing up to 8 feet tall, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and is relatively low-maintenance and disease-resistant. The large, bright red berries have a sweet flavor, perfect for fresh consumption and drying.