Full Sun
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Half-hardy
5a-9b
USDA zone
-29°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
4m | Max | 2m |
1m | Min | 1m |
Fruiting
spring
summer
autumn
winter
Plants begin to fruit after 2-3 years. Harvest berries from late summer until early winter. Only fully ripe fruit is edible. Fruit can turn black when handled so harvest by shaking the berries gently from the plant onto a sheet or blanket placed beneath and minimize handling!
More images of Goji Berry
Goji Berry Overview
Goji Berry is a remarkable species with the ability to withstand tremendously high and low temperatures. This thorny and woody shrub grows delicious edible small cherry tomato like fruit and can thrive in a range of soil types with varying climatic conditions, making this species a must grow in many regions of South Africa.
Common problems with Goji Berry
Aphids can be a problem and netting may be necessary to protect fruit from birds. Not allowed to import plants in many countries because of pests and diseases that can spread to other Solanum crops like potatoes and tomatoes.
How to propagate Goji Berry
Seed
Sow seeds indoors in spring and cover with a fine compost layer.
Cuttings
Take softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer and hardwood cuttings in winter. Give rooted cuttings protection in their first winter and plant out the following spring.
Layering
Layer plants in autumn.
Suckers
Lift and replant suckers in late winter, plant it straight into their proposed planting position.
Special features of Goji Berry
Attracts useful insects
Including bees and butterflies.
Hedge plant
This species is perfect for screening as it grows quite tall and its thorny branches make a great border barrier species to keep out unwanted people.
Drought resistant
Drought tolerant once they are established.
Pot plant
They adapt well to containers provided they are deep and well draining, growing into more compact plants that do not spread.
Attracts birds
Birds love the bright red berries
Attractive fruits
Large, bright orange-red cherry tomato like berry usually harvested in Autumn.
Other uses of Goji Berry
Foliage
Edible
The berries are edible and contain vitamin B, vitamin C, and amino acids.
Medicinal
It is said that a tonic of the berries can be made to lower the blood pressure and cholesterol and many more medicinal uses.