How to Grow Goji Plant Outdoors

Goji plants, also known as wolfberries, are native to China and have been a popular medicinal plant for centuries. In recent years, goji berries have gained popularity as a superfood due to their high nutritional value. Growing goji plants outdoors is relatively easy, and with the right care, you can enjoy fresh goji berries from your garden.

Choosing the Right Location

Goji plants thrive in full sunlight and well-draining soil. When choosing a location to grow your goji plant, look for an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. The soil should be well-draining, as goji plants do not tolerate waterlogged soil. If you have heavy clay soil, consider amending it with sand or organic matter to improve drainage.

Planting Goji Plants

Goji plants can be grown from seed or propagated from cuttings. If you are starting from seed, sow the seeds indoors in early spring and transplant the seedlings outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. If you are propagating from cuttings, take a cutting from a healthy goji plant in late winter or early spring and root it in moist potting soil.

When planting your goji plant outdoors, dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the plant. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen any tangled roots. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure to tamp down the soil around the roots.

Watering and Fertilizing

Goji plants require regular watering during their growing season. Water deeply once a week, making sure to saturate the root zone. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilize your goji plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing your plant during the winter months, as this can encourage new growth that is susceptible to frost damage.

Pruning and Harvesting

Goji plants can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide, so regular pruning is necessary to keep them under control. Prune your goji plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

Goji berries are ready to harvest in late summer or early fall when they turn a bright red color. Harvest the berries by gently pulling them off the plant. Be careful not to crush or bruise the berries, as this can cause them to spoil quickly.

Common Problems

Goji plants are relatively pest and disease resistant, but they can be susceptible to spider mites and powdery mildew. Spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil, while powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant.

FAQ

Can goji plants tolerate frost?
Goji plants can tolerate light frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage the plant.

How often should I prune my goji plant?
Prune your goji plant once a year in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Can I grow goji plants in containers?
Yes, goji plants can be grown in containers as long as they have enough room for their roots to grow and are placed in a sunny location.

How do I know when my goji berries are ripe?
Goji berries are ripe when they turn a bright red color and are slightly soft to the touch.

In conclusion, growing goji plants outdoors is easy with the right care. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil, water and fertilize regularly, prune once a year, and enjoy fresh goji berries in the late summer or early fall.