How to Grow Goji Berry Plants

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posted on 11 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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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

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.

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.

Choose a suitable garden location. Plant the goji berry plant in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sun.

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.

Water thoroughly right after planting.

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.

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.