Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones:
3-10.
Chill hours:
None. This plant fruits well in the moderate climate of San Diego.
Heat tolerant:
Yes, but the flowers do not set fruit over 85°F (29.4°C).
Goji berry plants will need afternoon shade in high temperatures.
Drought tolerant:
Yes, but with loss of the fruit crop.
Sun:
Full sun. This plant will accept part shade but the fruit crop is reduced.
Planting:
Locate this plant where it will be in full sun with mid afternoon shade and out of the wind.
Plant in late winter after the last frost, or plant in early fall so the plant can
grow more roots for spring flowering and produce more fruit.
In the ground, space 3-4' (1-1.2m) between plants if growing more than one.
This plant will grow in containers of 5 gallons (20 liters), and more, that drain well.
Soil:
Well draining, low to moderate organic content, recommended pH range 6.6-8.2 (neutral to
somewhat alkaline). This plant is tolerant of soil types otherwise
Fertilize:
Use organic fertilizers that are low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorous. High nitrogen
results in all foliage and no flowers or fruit in most nightshade plants.
Water after becoming established:
Water daily if growing in a container.
Deep water
once or twice a month if growing in the ground.
Mulch:
Apply mulch over the root area to reduce heat stress and retain soil moisture.
First Year Care:
In a container, keep the soil moist by watering daily. In the ground, keep the soil moist
by watering every 1-2 days for the first two months and in the hottest part of the year
when there is no rain.
Prune:
Do not prune the first winter so the plant has more energy to extend its roots in the
spring. After the first year, lateral branches can be trimmed by half to encourage new
growth.
Litter:
Leaves in fall or early winter.
Propagation:
Softwood cuttings are the preferred method of propagation. Seed does not grow true to the
parent.
Pests:
Bird netting is needed to prevent bird predation of the berries.
Fencing is required to keep rabbits, deer and javelina away from the leaves and young
stem shoots.
Problems:
High nitrogen fertilizers, acidic soil, poorly draining soil, and over-watering will
prevent flowering. Temperatures over 85°F (29.4°C) will prevent fruit set.
Uses: Ornamental, edible fruit. Some cultivars are
grown only for their leaves, which are harvested for tea.
Comments
Another common name is Chinese Wolfberry.
The name Wolfberry is a misnomer, however, because Lycium refers to an ancient Greek
(now Turkish) province named Lycia, not to the Greek word for wolf.
This plant is considered easy to grow when its first year water needs are met.
However, it often fruits poorly once temperatures exceed 85°F (29.4°C).
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would
like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.