Goji Berry Care At A Glance
- Medium to large sized shrubs grow 5 to 10 feet high and wide.
- Plants are self-fruiting but can produce more and larger fruits with cross-pollination.
- First fruit crops usually 2-3 years from planting.
- Require well-drained, organically rich soil, in full sun to part shade.
- Fruits are considered to be the "most nutritionally dense food on earth" by nutritionists.
Planting Instructions
- Amend existing soil appropriately with organic material to help improve drainage.
- The hole size for potted plants should be 1-2 feet wide and just as deep as the existing rootball.
- Plant with soil level in the pot matching the natural soil grade, making sure to not cover the crown.
- Tip pruning can benefit the establishment of all woody shrubs.
- Properly water new plants using the 1 inch per week rule for the entire first growing season.
- 1 inch of water equates to about 2.5-3 gallons every other day.
- Remove competitive grass & weeds and apply 2-3 inches of mulch or compost around the plant.
- Cage or protect as needed to prevent predation from deer or rodents.
NOTE: Proper drainage is critical for fruit-bearing plants to do well long-term. Do not use potting soil.
Varieties
- Goji berries are Lycium barbarum, commonly known as Wolfberry, which are in the Solanaceae family.
- Crimson Star™ is the most popular commercially grown Goji berry.
- Big Lifeberry® & Sweet Lifeberry® are both popular Proven Winners® selections, we've offered in the past.
Care & Maintenance
- Allow plants to grow for 2 years with little to no pruning.
- Lifting lower branches helps to keep eventual fruits up off the ground.
- Commercial growers will train Goji plants onto a wire cordon system, as you would for grapes.
- Goji plants are drought tolerant but will appreciate supplemental watering through the establishment and during summer droughts, especially when plants are producing fruits.
Pests & Diseases
- Little to no pest or major disease issues with Goji Berries.
- Some growers report issues from spotted wing drosophila.
- Immature plants may need protection from Japanese beetles.
- Protect plants from deer or rabbits feeding.
- Susceptible diseases include cosmetic fungal diseases like powdery mildew or Septoria.
- Avoid by maintaining proper spacing between plants to allow for good air circulation.
- Occasional applications of preventative bio-fungicide can also be used.
Fertilizing
Fertilize once per year in early spring with a balanced 10-10-10 or apply organic 3-5-3 at recommended product label rates.
