Goji berry

Profile

Family

Solanaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

2.8 m

Spread

4 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

60 years

First yield

after 3 years

Hardiness

zone 6–9

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

dry – very moist

pH

5.5 – 6.5

Synonyms

Goji

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is a berry with a diameter of about 2 cm, having a mild sweet licorice flavor. Only fully ripe fruits should be consumed. Young shoots can be cooked and used as a vegetable, offering a slightly cress-like taste, also described as minty. The leaves wilt quickly after harvesting. Caution is advised, see notes above. The leaves can be used as a tea substitute.

Other uses: Can be grown as an informal hedge and thrives well in coastal areas. The plants have an extensive root system and can be used to stabilize sandbanks.

Growing

An easy-to-grow plant that thrives in well-drained soil of moderate quality, not requiring nutrient-rich soil to bloom and fruit. While it can also grow in poorer soils, more fertile ones are preferable when cultivating it for its edible young shoots. A sunny location is necessary, although some plants at Kew Garden thrive well in partial shade. The plant can also tolerate maritime exposure. The plants are hardy to about -15°C. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value. They respond well to heavy pruning and can regrow from old wood. Pruning is best done in spring. The plants produce abundant runners and can become invasive in suitable locations; otherwise, they may be challenging to establish. There is much confusion regarding the naming of this species. Most, if not all, plants grown as L. chinense or L. europaeum are actually this species.

Propagation

Sow seeds early in a greenhouse in spring. Germination is usually good and quite fast. Once seedlings are large enough, transplant them into individual pots and overwinter in the greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Pinch out the shoot tips of young plants to promote bushy growth. Insert cuttings of semi-ripe shoots, 5 - 10 cm with a heel, in July/August into individual pots in a cold frame. High success rate. Insert cuttings of mature wood from the current year's growth, autumn to late winter in a cold frame. High success rate. Divide runners in late winter. Very simple, runners can be planted directly at their final location. Layering.

Notable

Special features: tolerant to (sea) wind, forms many runners; 6500 plants are planted per hectare; can be stored dried for 1-2 years; recommended varieties for fresh consumption are: 'Turgidus', 'No.1 Lifeberry'; Wild form tastes rather bitter peppery and is more suitable for drying;. susceptible to powdery mildew, prefers sandy soil as a pioneer plant;

Origin & habitat

Original habitat is uncertain, but likely Southeast Europe to Southwest Asia. Naturalized in the United Kingdom.

Not known in the wild. It is one of the rarest and most fascinating plants in the world.

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