Goji berries have been used for centuries for their healing properties and their sweet, delicious flavor. Currently, they are one of the latest trends in American health food, and for good reason: they have been shown to fight everything from cancer to diabetes to high cholesterol. There is no need to rely on the health food store to attain the fruit--just read this page on how to grow goji berries to learn how to cultivate them right at home.
Goji berries are also known as Lycium Barbarum, or Chinese wolfberry. Whatever you call them, you do not need to be a professional gardener to grow your own goji berries. In fact, the process is fairly simple. Since they originated in the Himalayas, they prefer cooler climates. However, it is possible to cultivate them indoors just about anywhere. http://www.timpanogosnursery.com/site/928760/page/416906
Featured Video: Germinating Goji Berry Seeds
This video demonstrates starting with berries, soaking them, removing the seeds and then soaking them before planting in germination trays. The mistake in his process in not keeping the seedlings worm. One should expect one in four seeds to germinate and grow. Long germination time and very small seedlings call for great patience.
Supplies you will need
- Goji Seeds or Goji Berries
- Germinating tray
- Sod Pots
- Potting soil
- Sand
- Worm Castings
- 5-Gallon Container
- Patience
Step 1: Getting Started
To start, you do not need to go out and buy any seeds or seed kits. All you actually need are the berries themselves. Here's how to get started:
- Freeze your berries for a month or so (so they will think it is winter time)
- Soak in water in a germinating tray
- Wait 1-2 weeks
- When you notice they have began to germinate (you will see small roots beginning to grow from them), go on to step 2 http://www.forgojiberries.com/HowToGrowGojiBerries.php3
Step 2: Planting
You will need some starter pots to begin the planting process. Fill them with potting soil with some compost or organic fertilizer mixed in. Place the germinated berries in, and push down into the soil 1/2-1 inch deep (the bigger the berry, the deeper it should be).
- Water only when soil gets dry, and make sure that there is adequate drainage in the pots. Gojis are used to dry climates, so you don't want to keep them too moist. Make sure your plants get plenty of direct sunlight, though not too much sun if you live in a very hot climate.
Step 3: Repot
The plants grow slowly, so patience is required. After a couple of weeks, you should begin to see the first leaves shoot up from your starter pots. They will continue to grow until their roots reach the base. When this happens, it is time to replant. Your goji bushes will only grow as big as the pot will allow them (they stop as soon as their roots touch the floor), so if you want large plants repot them in a good-sized bucket. You can also plant them in the ground, but you will not be able to move them in and out of the sunlight if you choose this option.
Step 4: Transplant outdoors
Goji berry seedlings need to be kept warm for the first year. It is best to keep the plants in containers and indoors during that time. Once the plant is well established, you can transplant outdoors. For the best fruit, you should plant in a sunny area. Dig a hole to accommodate the root base that has formed in the container. Be sure to plant in an area with good drainage. Allow soil to dry in between watering. It takes up to three years before a Goji berry plant produces fruit. You will know a fruitful season is on the way when the plant blossoms.
