Goji Berry Tree

Goji Berries have been cherished for centuries in Asian and Middle Eastern cultures for their exceptional health benefits. Native to Asia where it has been a popular medicine for close to 2,000 years. This nutritional powerhouse is full of healthy antioxidants in the root bark and berries. These sweet berries are associated with promoting well-being and vitality, making the Goji Berry Tree a perfect addition to your garden. Goji Berry Trees are typically small to medium-sized deciduous shrubs or trees. They can reach heights of 6-10 feet, with gracefully arching branches that produce delicate green leaves and clusters of bright red, nutrient-rich berries. Goji berries are known to attract birds and wildlife, adding a natural and lively element to your garden.

Also Known As: Chinese Desert-thorn, Chinese Matrimony Vine, Wolfberry, Chinese Wolfberry, Mede Berry, Barbary Matrimony Vine, Bocksdorn, Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree, Red Medlar, Goji Berry, Chinese Boxthorn.

Plant Name:	Shrub, Goji Berry
Latin Name:	Lycium chinense
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Years to Fruit:	4 - 5 Years
Plant Height:	6 - 10 Feet
Spread:	5 - 7 Feet
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	5-10
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose a clear, sunny location that is not in the shade of other trees and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Trees establish roots better in sandy, well-drained soils rather than heavy, poorly drained soil. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, either form rows of soil beds or hills 4-6 inches high and at least 10 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting or maintenance easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: Seeds require cold, moist stratification to break dormancy. Soak seeds 12-24 hours in hot tap water and let stand before cold-stratifying. To stratify, roll seeds in a damp paper towel and place in a resealable bag. Place the bag in the refrigerator to keep seeds at 35F-40F at least 6 weeks, mimicking winter conditions. After the stratification period, seeds should be ready to germinate. To germinate seeds, place the bags in a warm 70F-90F area. After 10 days, plant the seeds in small pots with moist potting soil and in a warm, sunny location that is at least 65F, about 1 month before the last expected frost in spring. Keep the soil moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry in between waterings.

Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of leaves and are at least 6 inches in height, harden off seedlings then transplant outdoors in the spring, in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny, permanent location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant seeds in late summer to naturally cold-stratify seeds. Soak seeds 12-24 hours in hot tap water prior to sowing. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 6-10 feet apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seed per hole, then cover thinly with soil. Seedbeds can be covered with plastic film to promote germination. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6-10 feet
Between-Row Spacing:	10 feet

Care During the Season:

Goji Berry trees can produce nutrient-rich berries for many years with care. In spring, as new growth appears, apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost to enrich the soil and encourage strong development. Water plants moderately, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. During summer, as the plant begins to flower and set fruit, ensure plants receive full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours per day. Water consistently, especially in hot and dry conditions, but avoid overwatering, as Goji Berry trees are somewhat drought-tolerant. Regular pruning helps maintain shape, encourages air circulation, and promotes better fruit production by removing excessive or weak growth. Reduce watering as the plant prepares for dormancy in late autumn. In winter, goji berry plants lose their leaves but remain hardy in most climates. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to protect the roots from extreme cold, especially in colder regions. If grown in containers, consider moving them to a sheltered location.

Harvesting:

Pick Goji Berries when they reach full color and taste sweet and slightly bitter, in autumn, approximately 35 days after full bloom. Harvest by wearing soft gloves and gently picking fruit as bruised berries may blacken, or preparing a sheet on the ground to then shake branches to release fruit from stems.