Goji berries (Lycium barbarum), also known as wolfberries, are a variety of closely related fruit-bearing shrubs in the nightshade family native to Asia. Growing goji berries is easy, in this article we will cover how to propagate, grow goji berries and their care.
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How to Propagate Goji Berries
Goji plants can be grown from seed, but this method requires a minimum of three years from planting to fruit production. The easiest way is to propagate it by cuttings taken in late spring and summer.
Mix equal parts peat moss and perlite to create a rooting medium. Pour the moss and perlite into a clean bowl, slowly adding water and stirring to moisten.
Use a pot for two cuttings and fill it up to one centimeter below the rim.
Collect goji cuttings on a spring or summer morning when the moisture content of the bush is highest.
Cut 10-15cm cuttings, each with three or more sets of leaves. Make the cuts just below the leaf nodes with a clean, sharp knife.
Remove the foliage from the lower half of each cutting, using your thumb and forefinger to pinch the leaf stems at their bases.
Make a new cross-cut at the base of each cutting with a clean knife to facilitate root growth.
Drill holes in each pot and plant the cuttings bottom to bottom in each, spaced so that their leaves don’t touch each other. Wrap the medium around their bases.
Put the pots in clear plastic bags, slipping the bags over the sticks and securing them with zip ties. These provide the necessary moisture while the cuttings root.
Finally, place the pots in a very bright place, without direct sunlight. Open the plastic bags for two to three minutes every other day to remove any accumulated moisture and air the cuttings. Spray the medium as needed to moisten it.
Transplant
Once the cuttings have generated roots, you can transplant them to their final location. You will know when you see new leaves growing.
Plant your goji berry bush in early spring when the plant’s dormant season is over.
Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the plant inside, making sure the top of the rootstock is level with the ground. Spread out the roots, fill with soil and tamp gently to seal.
How to Grow Goji Berries
choose the place
Goji berry plants require full sun, although they will tolerate partial shade. If several bushes are planted, they should be spaced about 1.5 meters apart; this will give the plants room to mature and give you more room to harvest at harvest time.
prepare the terrain
Goji berry plants prefer well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Amend the soil with a few inches of organic matter, such as compost, before planting.
Trellis
You will need to set up a trellis to ensure that your goji berry plant grows with an upright posture, which will aid in harvesting and good air circulation. Carefully tie the strongest new stems to short wooden stakes or along a fence, as with raspberries.
Water
Finally, water the planting area thoroughly to help establish the root system.
How to Care for Goji Berries
Goji berries require routine watering, pruning, and pest control to thrive.
Irrigation
Goji plants are among the most drought-tolerant fruit trees, but only after they have established their roots.
Water thoroughly and regularly for the first year to keep the delicate new roots moist. Avoid overwatering to prevent flower tip rot.
Cut
Light pruning of goji berry bushes keeps their size and spread in check and encourages new growth.
Pruning can also discourage fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, by allowing better air circulation. Strip new growth from the main stem or roots and remove dead or broken branches.
Mulch
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of plants to suppress weeds and regulate soil moisture.
Insect control
Aphids, thrips and spider mites are common pests of goji berries. Remove leaves or affected areas when you can, but you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs or practice co-planting to deter pests before resorting to an insecticide.
Plant aromatic, pungent herbs like basil, mint, chives, and catnip, or flowering plants like calendula and nasturtium, but be sure to place broadcast plants, like peppermint or the nasturtium, in a separate container.
And, as with all fruit trees, a bird netting can come in handy if you find birds and other creatures lurking around your crop.
Harvest goji berries
Goji berries usually ripen in summer. You can harvest fresh berries by plucking them from the stems. You can even lay a cloth or fine mesh under the plants and shake them gently to release the berries.
The young leaves of goji berries are also edible, with a bitter, grassy flavor similar to watercress; the leaves can be picked for soups or stir-fries.
It may also be interesting to read: How to grow Nispero in a pot and all its care
Add fresh goji berries to smoothies or dry them to add to an antioxidant-rich homemade trail mix.
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