The Best Techniques To Grow Goji Berries   by Corey Rozon

in Home / Gardening    (submitted 2011-08-12)

The goji berry plant, also know as the Chinese wolfberry, is a deciduous perennial that can grow just about anywhere, preferring areas that are hot and dry during the summer months.

Goji berry plants are drought tolerant once the root system has been established, making them very easy to maintain. These plants can flourish in almost any type of soil, from sandy or loamy soil to even clay. Whichever soil type you have at your disposal, the most important aspect is to make sure that it is well drained, as goji berry plants do not thrive in wet conditions. Over watering may drown them.

These plants can grow favourably both indoors and outdoors, however for maximum fruit production they prefer full sunlight at least for 8 hours a day. A hardy survivor in almost any weather condition, these plants can survive summer temperatures as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38C) and winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40C).

The goji berry plant is shrub like and can grow approximately 7 to 10 feet high with vines that span an additional 10 feet. Pruning is encouraged to help with increased fruit production. After the second year of growth the plant will develop flowers in the early summer months, which will then turn into fruit in the late summer months. By the fifth year the plant will reach its maximum fruit production.

What you will need to grow your own goji plants at home

It goes without saying that you will of course need seeds and somewhere to you're your plants, whether it is indoors or outdoors. Soil is also an important aspect, as well as water and access to sunlight. I'll break down these five categories a little further:

1) Seeds
There are a number of ways to get the goji berry seeds you will need to grow your own plants at home. The first, and most obvious way is to get the seeds from the berries themselves. The only downside is that you cannot be sure what variety of goji berries you are getting. Furthermore, if the berries have been dried, as most commercial ones are, the seeds may not grow properly. It is therefore advised to find a reputable dealer of goji berry seeds and buy directly from them.

2) Growing Location
As mentioned, the goji berry can thrive in almost any location and soil type, indoor and out. If you live in an area with hot dry summers it is recommended to find a sunny plot in your yard and grow them outdoors. However if weather conditions are not optimal, you can always grow them indoors in pots, occasionally bringing them outside in the summer and returning them indoors when weather conditions are not favourable.

3) Soil
Goji berry plants can grow in almost any soil type, however since you are cultivating them yourself, you can ensure they are grown in the most optimal of soil. Potting soil mixed with organic matter from compost is the best, as it will provide all the nutrients the plant will need. It is recommended to stay away from chemical fertilizers and 'miracle grows', as they only provide the very basic requirements a plants needs. If used properly, organic compost and potting soil will provide all the plant could ever ask for. It is important that whatever type of soil you decide on that the soil has good drainage. When growing outdoors it is also recommended to cover the planting beds with a good mulch to help reduce water evaporation and support a healthy ecosystem for the soil.

4) Water
Although these plants can be drought tolerant, they do require watering, but it is important not to over water. The soil should have good drainage and the plants should only be watered when the soil is dry. It is also advised to always water the plants from below, as excess water on the leaves can promote fungal disease.

5) Sunlight
Last but not least, every plants friend, the sun. These plants thrive in sunlight, and although they can be grown in shaded areas or indoors, the more sun you can get to your plants the more berries they will produce for you in the late summer months. It is recommended that the plants get at least 8 hours of sunlight each day, and as mentioned early, if you are growing indoors try to bring the plants outside, taking them in only when weather conditions are unfavourable.

About the Author

Corey Rozon is a freelance writer from Ottawa, Canada. This article about goji berries and why they are good for you was written on behalf of GojiBerries.us, a distributor of goji berry seeds and goji juice.