Goumi Berry Garden Guide
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Goumi Berry Care At A Glance
- Medium to large sized shrubs grow 4 to 6 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, medium to rich soils, in full sun to part shade.
- Fruits are high in vitamins C, A, and E with antioxidants for fresh eating, drying, or in baking.
Planting Instructions
- Amend existing soil appropriately with organic material to help improve drainage.
- Soak roots for 8 to 24 hours prior to planting to rehydrate.
- Plant with the crown even with or just below the natural soil grade, making sure to not cover the crown.
- Tip prune existing branches by 1/3 to 1/2 for all woody bareroot 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
- Goumi berries are Elaeagnus multiflora, commonly known as Silverberry or Gumi, hardy to zones 5-9.
- Extremely adaptable and easy-to-grow, slightly thorny shrubs have the unique ability to fix nitrogen to benefit themselves and other adjacent plants.
- White blooms in May form iridescent red up to 1/2-inch fruits in late June to July.
- Plants are self-fruitful but will produce more and better-quality fruits with the cross-pollination of 2 or more plants.
- Excellent pollinator-attracting shrubs make good orchard companion plants.
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.
- When mature, prune as needed during early spring dormancy thinning old wood to maintain center open habit.
Pests & Diseases
- Little to no pest or major disease issues.
- Like other fruiting trees and shrubs, protect from potential deer or rodent predation.
Fertilizing
- Little to no fertilizer is needed.
- Top-dress plants in spring and again in summer with 2-4 inches of compost or manure/compost blend.
- Periodic applications of phosphorus-based organic fertilizers such as bone meal or rock phosphate can help enhance flower and fruit production.