Goji (Lycium barbarum L.) is native to tropical or warm regions of mainland East and Southeast Asia and South Africa. Other common names are wolfberry, matrimony vine, and boxthorn. Plant growth habit varies significantly among cultivars, ranging from viney to erect. Spines are present on most cultivars but vary in size and number. When pruned, plants are typically 3 to 6 feet tall but if left without cultivation they can reach 12 feet. Solitary, purple blossoms form in the late spring (although some species have greenish or cream flowers) and are followed by small orange to red fruit about 4 to 6 weeks later. Plants are self fruitful and do not require cross-pollination.
In some areas, they are considered a weed due to their tendency to sucker and spread by seed. Goji are recommended for zones 4 to 7.
Goji is in the same family as tomato (Solanaceae) and some cultural and nutritional needs are similar.
Goji berries have become incredibly popular in recent years due to their reputation as a superfood. These small red berries are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and antioxidants. While you can buy goji berries dried or as a juice, many people are interested in growing their own fresh goji berries at home.
The great news is that goji berries are relatively easy to grow yourself from seed! It just takes some patience as they can take a few years to start fruiting. But with the right care, you can have a prolific goji berry shrub producing buckets of berries for your family.
In this complete growing guide for beginners, I’ll walk you through every step of the process. Here’s what we’ll cover
- Where to Get Goji Berry Seeds
- How to Plant Goji Berry Seeds
- Caring for Goji Berry Seedlings
- Transplanting Goji Berry Plants
- Growing Goji Berry Bushes
- Encouraging Fruit Production
- Harvesting Goji Berries
Let’s get started growing these superfood berries in your own backyard!
Where to Get Goji Berry Seeds
The first step is acquiring goji berry seeds. Here are your options:
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Purchase seeds – Many garden stores and online seed retailers sell goji berry seeds. Make sure to buy fresh seeds packaged for the current growing season.
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Extract seeds from dried goji berries – You can also carefully remove seeds from dried goji berries bought from the store. Soak berries overnight, then massage to extract seeds. Viability may be lower than fresh seeds.
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Harvest seeds from your own plants – Once your goji berries start fruiting, save some of the seeds for planting more plants.
Look for plump, mature seeds and avoid any that are shriveled up. For the highest germination rates, fresh seeds are best.
How to Plant Goji Berry Seeds
Goji berry seeds have a tough outer shell, so they don’t require any pre-treatment before planting. Follow these simple steps:
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Fill starter pots or trays with a sterile, light seed starting mix. Moisten before planting.
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Sow 2-3 goji berry seeds per pot, about 1⁄4 inch deep. The seeds are small so don’t plant too deep.
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Keep the seed starting mix consistently moist but not soggy.
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Provide temperatures of 70-80°F for fastest germination.
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Place in a bright, warm spot like a sunny window or under grow lights.
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Goji seeds can take 1-2 months to fully germinate. Be patient!
Caring for Goji Berry Seedlings
Once your seeds sprout, you’ll have tiny goji berry seedlings! Here are some tips for caring for them:
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Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Don’t keep too wet.
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Thin seedlings down to the 1 strongest plant per pot once 2-3 true leaves appear.
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Transition to full sunlight exposure gradually over a week.
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Keep seedlings warm, around 70°F. Consider using a heating mat.
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Feed monthly with a diluted liquid fertilizer once established.
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Watch for fungus gnats, aphids, and other common seedling pests.
Transplanting Goji Berry Plants
After 2-3 months, goji berry seedlings will be ready for transplanting into larger containers. Follow these guidelines:
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Choose a potting mix designed for berries or fruits.
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Carefully remove the seedling from its starter pot and loosen the roots.
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Plant at the same depth it was originally growing at.
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Water well after transplanting to help roots establish.
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Grow on in pots for the remainder of the first year.
Growing Goji Berry Bushes
Once your goji berry plants are about a year old, you can move them into the garden. Here are some growing tips:
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Plant in full sun, spacing bushes 4-6 feet apart.
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Amend soil with compost or manure before planting. Gojis like rich soil.
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Install a trellis for the vines to climb up. Or grow as a bush.
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Water 1 inch per week until well established. Mulch to retain moisture.
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Prune back each spring to control size and encourage new growth.
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Protect young plants from deer, rabbits, and other pests.
Encouraging Fruit Production
It typically takes 3 years from seed before goji berry plants will bear fruit. Here are some tips for maximizing fruit yields:
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Apply balanced fertilizer monthly through the growing season.
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Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting.
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Prune back old stems after harvesting to stimulate new growth.
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You may need multiple plants for good pollination and fruit set.
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Grow in pots to control size and make covering/moving plants for protection easier.
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Remove any diseased or insect-damaged fruits promptly.
Harvesting Goji Berries
Once your goji bushes start producing their small red berries, you’ll want to harvest them at the right time. Here are some harvesting tips:
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Pick berries when they turn bright red. Give a gentle tug to remove.
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Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season. The more you pick, the more will grow.
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Use the berries fresh, or dry and store them to use year-round.
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Expect lower yields the first couple fruiting seasons as plants mature.
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Take precautions when harvesting to avoid spreading disease between plants.
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Pick in the morning when berries are plump with moisture.
With the proper care, your homegrown goji berries will provide a bountiful harvest of sweet, nutrient-dense berries perfect for snacking, adding to smoothies, baking, and more! It’s so satisfying to grow your own superfoods at home.
Here are some final quick tips for success growing goji berries from seed:
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Start with high quality, fresh seeds for best germination rates.
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Provide consistent moisture, heat, and light for seedlings.
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Transplant young seedlings to larger pots once 2-3 true leaves appear.
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Grow in full sun once established.
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It can take up to 3 years for fruit production, so be patient!
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Pick berries frequently once they begin ripening.
Recommended Goji Berry Cultivars
Although plants can readily be propagated from seeds, using a named cultivar will ensure you are planting a high-quality and productive plant. In China, where goji is most widely produced, Lycium barbarum L. var. barbarum is commonly planted. Goji is a new crop in American markets, so cultivar selection is still limited. Crimson Star (also known as Ningxia #1) and Phoenix Tears, are available. Both begin bearing 1 to 2 years after planting, although they will not reach full production for 3 to 5 years. ‘Wolfberry Agrodevco’ is another cultivar, but it has limited availability. Many nurseries do not list specific cultivars of goji, but rather list them simply as Lycium barbarum.
Goji Berry Plant Productivity
Goji plants will begin producing fruit when plants are 2 years old. Maximum production will not be reached until 3 to 5 years after planting. Depending on variety, expect to harvest 2 to 6 pounds per plant. Goji berries are sought after for their health benefits. They can be dried, juiced, frozen or eaten fresh. Possibly the most common way to consume goji berries is as a dried fruit, similar to a raisin, and they can be eaten alone or used in baking. They can be dried by laying the fruit out on drying trays in the sun, or in a food dehydrator (set the temperature to 105 °F) for about 3 days. Steam juicing works well, and another option is to soak dried berries in water overnight and then strain out the berries to obtain the nutrient-rich juice. Berries can be frozen and thaw well, maintaining their color and flavor. Fresh eating is possible, but many people do not like the texture of the berry and prefer to consume the berries once processed. Once harvested, the fruit will store for approximately 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
How to grow Goji berry from seed
FAQ
Are goji berries difficult to grow?
Goji berries are not generally difficult to grow; They tolerate light shade, but should be grown in full sun for best crop.
Do goji berry plants need a trellis?
You’ll need to set up a trellis to ensure that your goji berry plant grows with an upright posture, making for an easy harvest and good airflow. Gently tie the strongest looking new canes to short wooden stakes, or train along a bit of fencing, like raspberries.
Do goji berries come back every year?
Yes, goji berry plants are perennial and come back every year. They are known for their hardiness and ability to produce fruit for several years.