How to Grow Goji Berry Plants

Last Updated: February 28, 2022

Goji berry, wolfberry, matrimony vine, and gou-gi-zi are all common names for Lycium barbarum. Goji berry plants have been grown and used in China for centuries. The berries can be eaten fresh, dried, or juiced and are high in protein and antioxidants.^{[citation needed]} Goji berries contain all the essential amino acids.^{[citation needed]} While dried goji berries are available online or from your local health food store, why not grow them yourself and benefit from their freshness?

Steps

1
Check that you are in the right growing zone. Goji berry plants are drought tolerant and hardy to at least USDA zone 5. If you are not in the right zone, you might consider growing the plant in a container, allowing you to move it between the indoors and outdoors, as needed.
2
Find the plant. Goji berry plants can be purchased online or found at local nurseries. Always check the scientific name (Lycium barbarum), so that you know you are buying the correct plant.
- If your nursery does not have the plant, ask if they can order it in for you.
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3
Choose a suitable garden location. Plant the goji berry plant in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sun.
4
Plant the goji berry plant. Plant in either the spring or fall. When planting, mix 2/3 soil from the planting hole with 1/3 compost.
5
Water thoroughly right after planting.
6
Allow the plant to grow several feet tall with support. Alternatively, you may prune the plant to about 4' and grow it more like a shrub.
7
Know when to expect a harvest. The goji berry plant may flower and fruit the first growing season. The small flowers are a pretty light purplish color. As the plant gets older, you will have a longer fruiting time period. At around four years old, the plant will likely produce fruit most of the growing season, which is May through October.

Community Q&A

Question

Do I need more than one plant to grow the fruit?

Ninox

Top Answerer

No, one plant can produce fruit itself. But you have to wait at least 2 years (perhaps up to 4 or 5) before having some fruit.
Question

At what soil pH do gojis typically grow best?

Ninox

Top Answerer

Gojis need alkaline soil to grow. Typically, 8 is a good pH for the plants.
Question

I have flowers, but no fruit. Is it self-pollinating?

Ninox

Top Answerer

This problem most likely is linked to a lack of pollinating insects. If there aren't enough bees, you can pollinate the flowers yourself.

Warnings

Goji berries can be invasive so if you see it spreading to areas of your yard where you do not want it, pull it our right away. Reducing watering may reduce the chance of it spreading, as will growing it in containers. Check that the plant is not a declared invasive in your area.

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