Goji berries used to be imported mainly from Asian countries and mostly in dried form. Nowadays, these vitamin-rich berries are also increasingly being cultivated on a large scale in Germany and are also being planted in many private gardens.

Goji berries are best bought from specialist retailers

How to choose suitable plants?

Since the so-called "common buckthorn" or "devil's dodder" occurs as a plant in nature in some East German regions, in some places hobby gardeners tend to grow cuttings of these mother plants. However, this is usually suboptimal for a high fruit yield, since these plants often do not flower much or not at all and therefore of course do not produce any fruit. For cultivation in the garden with the hopeful prospect of a rich harvest, the yield varieties bred for this purpose in Asia should therefore be purchased from specialist shops.

Which location does the goji berry prefer?

The goji berry is not very demanding as a plant and can show quite acceptable growth even in shady locations. However, stronger growth and a larger number of flowers can be achieved in a location that is as sunny and warm as possible.

What should be considered when planting these berry bushes?

Since the roots of the goji berries are not particularly sensitive, they can also be shortened if necessary to better fit into the dug planting hole. Care should only be taken that the bare roots are not left in the sun for too long and dry out. In locations with rather heavy soil, the time of planting can be used to loosen the soil around the plant base with some sand or coarse gravel. In this way you also prevent waterlogging of the roots, which is not at all beneficial for goji berries.

How do young plants become high-yielding shrubs?

Goji berries freshly grown from cuttings or seeds should not simply be left to their fate in the garden bed or in a pot on the terrace. Although they do not require any special fertilization, they should be trained to form a compact-growing shrub with targeted pruning measures. In Asia, goji berries are often cultivated as a standard so that the long branches with the bright orange-red fruits can hang down and be well ventilated.

In what ways can Goji berries be propagated?

In principle, the following types of propagation are possible for goji berries:

  • Cultivation from seeds
  • cuttings
  • lowering
  • foothills

The goji berry should be cut back regularly in the garden, as the otherwise uncontrolled, long, proliferating branches in their arched form will strike new roots when they touch the ground. In addition, a rhizome barrier in the soil should also be considered to contain uncontrolled runners, as otherwise it can spread underground around the shrubs.

What is the best time to plant a goji berry?

In principle, goji berries can be planted out in spring and autumn. In the case of young plants, the planting in the outdoor bed should always take place in the spring if possible, so that the plants are sufficiently well rooted and winter-hardy until the first severe frosts.

When do goji berries bloom and when can the fruits be harvested?

Goji berries usually bloom from around the third year, when the conditions are right. Depending on the weather, the flowering period extends from June to August. The vitamin-rich fruits can then be harvested from August to September (and sometimes also into October).

Which soil substrate provides good growth conditions for goji berries?

Goji berries do well in most soils. However, it is ideal if the soil is not too heavy and there is no waterlogging in the root area of the plants. Heavy soils can be loosened up with drainage materials such as sand, coarse gravel or shards of pottery and can be aerated in this way.

tips

In principle, goji berries can also be grown from seeds. However, this propagation method is of secondary importance for the goji berries, since these shrubs tend to form sinkers and underground runners and rooting of cuttings is relatively uncomplicated. If you still want to grow a goji berry bush from seed, you should ensure that the climate is as constant as possible (for example in a mini greenhouse on a window sill that is not too sunny). In addition, the seeds are light germinators.

Category:

Vegetable garden