Goji Berry grows well for those who pay attention.

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Goji Berry

Lycium barbarum

Zones 4–9

Growing

As a woody, perennial shrub, goji berries are best established as transplants or through cuttings once the soil has warmed. They are remarkably resilient and can survive a hard freeze, making them a hardy addition to your garden. When preparing your planting site, ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogged roots, but aim for a slightly alkaline to neutral pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Because a single plant is capable of setting fruit and attracts pollinators with its flowers, you can even grow them in containers if you provide enough room for their sprawling, shrubby habit.

When the time comes to harvest, look for berries that have turned a bright, vibrant orange-red. Because these berries do not continue to ripen once they are removed from the branch, you must pick them when they are fully colored and ready to eat. To maintain quality, keep your harvest unwashed. For long-term use, you can store the berries in a cool, dark cellar, in the refrigerator, or even dry them for a shelf-stable snack.

Stats
Sunfull sun
Waterlow
Grow time>150 days
Height3–6ft
Spacing>24in
Light
Full sun✓
Part shade✓
Shade✗
Traits
Life cycleperennial
Categoryberry
Growth habitshrub
Seasonwarm
Frost tolerancehardy
Height3–6ft
Spacingover 24in
Days to maturityover 150
Growing
Waterlow
Drainagewell drained
Soil ph min6.0
Soil ph max8.0
Propagation
Seed✓
Cutting✓
Division✗
Graft✗
Tuber bulb crown✗
Transplant✓
Container ok✓
Pollinationself fertile
Pollinator friendly✓
Toxic parts
Leaves✗
Seeds✗
Raw✗
Post harvest
Wash before storing✗
Ripens off plant✗
Curing daysnone
Shelf lifeover 3mo
Storage methods
Room temp✓
Cool dark✓
Fridge✓
Freeze✓
Can—
Dry✓
Ferment pickle✗
Blanch before freezing✗
Calendar, zone 7
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sownonoyesyesyesnonononononono
Harvestnononononononoyesyesyesnono