Overview

Embark on a journey to cultivate your own superfood with the goji berry live plant (Lycium barbarum). Renowned for its nutrient-dense, bright red berries, the goji berry, also known as wolfberry, is a fascinating and rewarding addition to any garden. This deciduous, sprawling shrub is celebrated not only for its delicious fruit but also for its hardiness and adaptability. Originating from Asia, Lycium barbarum has been cherished for centuries for its medicinal properties and culinary versatility. Our goji berry live plant starter is ready to establish itself in your garden, promising a bountiful harvest of these healthful fruits.

The goji berry plant, a member of the nightshade family, typically grows as a bush, producing small purple flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by its signature oval-shaped, red berries in late summer and early fall. Its flexible, thorny stems and grey-green leaves add an interesting textural element to the landscape. While it can reach impressive sizes in its natural habitat, it is easily managed with pruning to fit various garden spaces. Growing your own goji berry starter ensures you have a fresh, organic supply of these power-packed berries right at your fingertips.

Key Benefits

Adding a goji berry live plant to your garden offers a multitude of advantages, from nutritional benefits to aesthetic appeal and ease of care. This versatile fruit bush is a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

• Nutrient-Rich Superfood: Goji berries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins (especially Vitamin C and A), and minerals, making them a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Growing your own ensures a fresh and pure source.
• Hardy and Drought-Tolerant: Once established, the Lycium barbarum plant is remarkably resilient, tolerating a range of conditions and requiring less water than many other fruit-bearing plants, making it an excellent low-maintenance option.
• Attractive Garden Addition: With its delicate purple flowers and vibrant red berries, the goji bush provides visual interest throughout the growing season, enhancing the beauty of your edible landscape.
• Versatile Culinary Uses: The fresh or dried berries can be enjoyed in smoothies, cereals, yogurts, teas, or simply as a healthy snack. Learning how to grow goji berries opens up a world of culinary possibilities.
• Long Growing Season: These plants typically produce berries from late summer through early fall, offering an extended harvest period for fresh consumption.
• Supports Wildlife: The flowers can attract pollinators, and the berries, if not harvested, can provide a food source for birds, contributing to local biodiversity.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your goji berry live plant is relatively straightforward, making it an accessible choice for many gardeners. These plants thrive in conditions that mimic their native arid environments. They prefer a location with full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for optimal fruit production and plant health. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal issues. While adaptable, protection from harsh, drying winds can be beneficial, especially in the first year.

When it comes to soil, the Lycium barbarum plant is not overly particular but performs best in well-drained soil. It tolerates a pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.5-8.0). If you have heavy clay soil, amend it with organic matter like compost or sand to improve drainage. Watering should be consistent during the plant’s establishment phase, typically the first year, but once mature, goji berries are quite drought-tolerant. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. To grow goji berries successfully, consider a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring, once the plant is established.

Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and productivity of your goji fruit bush. In late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, prune back dead or damaged branches. You can also thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. Goji berries can be trained as a bush or even a small tree with proper pruning. Most varieties are self-fertile, meaning a single plant can produce fruit, but planting multiple can increase yields. They are generally hardy in USDA zones 3-10, tolerating cold winters and hot summers.

Size & Details

This offering is for 1 goji berry live plant starter. Goji berry plants (Lycium barbarum) are delivered as bare root plants, ready for immediate planting upon arrival. In their natural state, these vigorous shrubs can reach heights of up to 12 feet and spreads of 4 feet, but they are typically pruned to a more manageable 3-6 feet tall in cultivation, making them suitable for various garden sizes. The stems are long, flexible, and have small thorns, while the leaves are grey-green and somewhat succulent. With proper care, you can expect your goji berry starter to begin producing fruit within 1-2 years of planting. The plant ships without a pot, ensuring a healthy and robust root system for transplanting.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this goji berry live plant get? A: In cultivation, goji berry plants are typically pruned to 3-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, though they can grow larger if left unpruned. Regular pruning helps manage size and promotes better fruit production.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Lycium barbarum plant is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in garden settings where it can receive ample sunlight. While it can be grown in large containers, it generally performs best when planted directly in the ground.
• Q: How much sunlight does the goji berry plant need? A: Goji berry plants require full sun, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, for optimal growth and fruit development.
• Q: What condition will the goji berry starter arrive in? A: Your goji berry starter will arrive as a healthy bare root plant, meaning it will not have soil or a pot, allowing for easier transplanting and establishment.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, goji berry plants are known for their hardiness and drought tolerance once established, making them relatively easy to care for, especially for gardeners who want to grow goji berries with minimal fuss.
• Q: How long until my goji fruit bush produces berries? A: You can typically expect your goji berry plant to start producing fruit within 1 to 2 years after planting, with yields increasing as the plant matures.
• Q: What’s the best soil type for a goji berry live plant? A: Goji berry plants prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Amending heavy clay soil with organic matter is recommended.
• Q: Will my goji berry plant survive winter? A: Goji berry plants are very hardy and can survive winters in USDA zones 3-10, tolerating cold temperatures well once dormant.
• Q: Can I grow a goji fruit bush in a container? A: Yes, you can grow a goji fruit bush in a large container (at least 15-20 gallons) with good drainage, but it will require more frequent watering and feeding than plants in the ground.
• Q: What are the benefits of goji berries? A: Goji berries are considered a superfood, rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially C and A), and minerals, known for supporting overall health and well-being.