Goji Berry Update
I receive plenty of comments, questions, and feedback to an earlier post about Growing Goji Berries so I thought it was about time for an update on the progress of my Goji Berry plants.
I would also recommend that anyone interested in the topic browse the Goji Berry comments for advice and helpful information provided by other backyard Goji Berry growers.
Goji Berry Trials…
To begin my Goji Berry trial update, I have to admit that the Goji Berry plants that were originally planted last fall did not survive the winter and had to be replaced this spring. I’m not sure what went wrong as I followed the planting instructions supplied by the grower (really, I did!!), and planted them in the ground shortly after they arrived late last fall.
Fortunately after sending a brief e-mail, Timpanogos Nursery was kind enough to replace the Goji seedlings with a couple of their spring potted nursery stock. I received these Goji plants in May and planted them in the same location as the previous plants.
The planting was a lot easier the second time around since I didn’t have to cope with removing sod and excavating hard packed soil. As it turns out things wouldn’t go quite as smoothly for the new Goji Berry seedlings themselves.
… and Goji Berry Tribulations
Once planted, the most important responsibility is to keep the Goji seedlings well watered until they recover from being shipped and transplanted, and are established in their new home in the garden. This was especially critical because at the time we were experiencing warmer than normal weather and very little rainfall.
One morning as I went down to water one of the plants I was shocked to discover Goji Berry leaves scattered about and nothing but a short stump where the day before stood a healthy green Goji plant.
My first thought was to remember a comment from another gardener who had a similar experience with Goji Berries being devoured by some unknown attacker. The second thought that quickly crossed my mind was for revenge as I eyed a small bunny nearby with a guilty look on his face and what I imagined to be a Goji Berry leaf dangling from its mouth.
Goji Plant Security Detail
Despite the previous warning I never would have expected that anything would find young Goji plants to be such a delicacy. The plant had been staked and surrounded by a cylinder of wire garden fencing but that obviously wasn’t enough to protect the seedling from a hungry or mischievous critter.
I didn’t hold out much hope for the survival of the Goji plant but I decided to continue watering and stepped up the security by employing a double layer of fencing with straw in between to both camouflage and help conserve moisture for what remained of the Goji Berry.
The second Goji is located in a more exposed area of the yard and despite noticing other rabbits in the vicinity, this plant was never bothered even though something did remove and trample the fencing that guarded it.
The lesson that I learned the hard way is that if your goji plants are growing in rabbit, deer, or groundhog territory it’s a good idea to provide the appropriate protection to your young seedlings.
State of the Goji Berries
I have been able to cut back on the amount of watering, and both of the Goji Berry Plants are alive and well. There have been no further attacks and I’ve reduced the threat alert levels as the plants continue to grow and become stronger.
Despite its severe pruning down to the ground, the Goji Berry plant that was eaten has managed to fully recover and rebound with substantial new growth. The funny thing is that it actually looks larger and healthier than the other goji plant that suffered no setbacks.
Not that I’m going to give any credit or thanks to the bunny that I suspect of doing the damage, but I guess the pruning wasn’t entirely bad after all and the Goji plants may be more resilient than the winter-kill experience led me to believe.
The plants are still less than a foot tall, and while I’m not counting on harvesting fresh goji berries anytime soon my Goji Berry plants are showing promises of adapting to my climate and growing into the ornamental, edible, and health promoting plant that I anticipated when I first planted them in the garden!
Other Related Vegetable Gardening Posts:
June 21st, 2007 at 6:59 am
I planted my goji in soil that drained too well and they looked forlorn until I installed a soaker hose. My problem is the Flea Beetles drilling thousands of tiny holes in the leaves. Maybe we should use these plants as salad, since the critters love them!! (Did you know that Sugar Snap Pea plants are even more delicious than the peas?) One of my Gojis lost all it pale leaves and now is sprouting dark green ones. I garden organically and need advice on dealing with beetles.
Thanks,
Dale
June 21st, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Funny you should mention flea beetles, there’s an entry in the works that discusses them and will be posted in the next couple of days. So far they have not bothered my goji berry plants at all. Yes, I did know that pea sprouts are edible and tasty. The young tips of the plants are crisp and sweet with the same flavor that the pods offer.
June 23rd, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Hi, I got the goji berry plant from the same source that you have. I have planted it indoors, it all seemed very alive until recently. Half of the goji plant’s leaves have fallen off leaving the branch bare. The other goji leaves seem to be very spindly. Is there anything I can do?
June 23rd, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Steve, I’m not sure what the problem is with your goji berry plant. According to the grower they are suitable for growing indoors in containers. Is you plant receiving enough sunlight? Are you sure that you haven’t been over watering the goji plant? Good luck and let me know how you make out with growing your goji berry plant indoors.
July 25th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Hi Kenny, Back again about my couple hundred goji berry plants. I am in the process of applying for a grant to grow commercially. Any suggestions or info would be most welcomed. Also if you have any suggestions for organic aphid control this would also be helpful. For growing: When overwatered a little these goji plants will begin to yellow quickly and will lose leaves everywhere. It is really hot here during the day so I keep the plants in a shaded area outside (continually) in the one gallon containers. When exposed to this full hot sun they begin to droop quickly. As they are still only 7 months old. Mine are between 1 to 3 feet tall now and have really shot up. As for my couple hundred here, I still need to learn how to package for shipping as I will likely be selling some of them next spring. I began growing these thru the winter and as I mentioned , I had a couple thousand healthy little goji berry plants but due only to lack of space I could transplant just that couple hundred mentioned. My hopes are to get a greenhouse up to grow quite a few more thru the winter and begin selling them the following year. As for growing indoors, goji berries require both window and artificial lighting together for me. My plants are from the wild variety and therefore vary greatly in size, shape, and growth rate. Thank you for your info on the winter delivered plants. I was really wondering about that as spring planting allows the roots to fully establish themselves. The recommended fertilizer is a bit spendy for my blood, do you have any alternative suggestions? If you decide to begin goji plants from seed they are “EXTREMELY FRAGILE” and require constant monitoring of watering and temperature control. It is a real pain, unless you are so lucky as to have everything automated. I would be happy to share photos if you like. Are yours still doing well with the summer heat? Best of luck!
July 27th, 2007 at 10:18 am
ATTN: I want to grow phalsa in GA, but i can not find small trees to grow can you help me? Phalsa is kind of berry its easily grow in India and Pakistan southern.
Thank you
July 27th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Phalsa is a small blueberry like fruit that is not common or grown commercially. I don’t know of any sources of seeds or plants but you could check with the California Rare Fruit Growers. Or if you find some of the fruits you can remove the seed and grow the phalsa just like you would a goji berry plant from seed.
September 23rd, 2007 at 3:28 pm
Hi Kenny,
Just wanted to let you know that I received my Goji berry plant it was all but dead. I transplanted the pitifull looking thing in a pot with organic composted soil and worm castings. I also fertilized it with Seawater and put it in the sun. Well, to make a long story short the plant grew 3 inches in 5 days and is well formed and spreading out now.
I am not going to plant it in the ground until next year.
I wish you well with your plants.
October 9th, 2007 at 12:19 am
Hey I started growing my gojo berry plants from seeds, and They sprouted to about an inch in 3 weeks, but now half of them are dying off! I kept them in doors, getting a mixture of sun light and uv rays, and I water them daily, but I don’t over water-just enough to keep the soil moist. Is there anything you’d recommend? A specific light brand? how much water? How do I save these before it’s too late?
October 9th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Thomas, I have not grown Goji Plants from seed but Timpanogos Nursery recommends that the goji seedlings be fed with a dose of compost when 2″ tall. If you don’t have access to well aged compost I would fertilize the goji plants with a diluted dose of a balanced organic fertilizer in its water. The seedlings should be carefully transplanted into individual containers when they are about 3″ tall but before they reach 5″ in height. The use of special plant grow lights is suggested for plants grown indoors. I have heard from other home gardeners that the goji seedlings can be delicate and a little temperamental.
October 14th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
For those who are interested in growing goji plants:
Every year around late spring or early summer, just visit the Chinese grocery stores and you can find goji plant cuttings in bundles for sale. Buy a bundle and use all the fresh leaves for soup, then cut the stems in sections about 5 or 6 inches each. Find a sunny spot in your backyard and put the bottom end of stems about 2 inches in soil, water regularly. You will have a goji garden in no time. Goji plants need 4 season climate because they need to dorman in winter in order to grow so put them indoor all year will not servive well. If you grow goji by this ‘cutting’ method, you’ll have a lot of goji berries the following year. But if you take the ’seed’ method, you will not get berries until 3 or 4 year later.
March 13th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
This message is for Rob.
Have you tried Repell all made by Bonide to repell all critters? Also use Messenger – harpon protein to boost plants immune system avail Mesenger.info for all plants.
Hope it helps.
Polina
May 9th, 2008 at 3:36 am
Hello, I don’t consider myself much of a gardener but I did purchase a Goji plant last spring from Timpanogos Nursery and plant it in unamended clayish soil. Since I live in southern MN I wasn’t sure if it would survive our winter. Timpanogos website said it was hardy to about -15F I believe. The plant is about 2 ft tall and starting to leaf out. We had about 3 or 4 days of -22F and several days of -15 to -17F. Hoping to see berries this year. I think our early heavy snowfall helped by insulating the ground. That doesn’t always happen here.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:50 am
In addition to responses from Jeff Poon, I took about 12 cuttings from my 2 year old Goji about a week ago. I purchased some rooting hormone and a seed starting dome with peat pots. It has been about a week and it looks like out of the 12 I will have 11 new goji plants. This is 100 times easier than starting plants from seed. I also have 50 seeds started in the same peat pot domes and so far I have 12 plants starting from seed. I now need to find somewhere to place 20+ goji plants, possibly more.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I live in NJ and have a tough time locating asian stores in the area…the one near me does not have goji berry plants , only dried berries.
Need help!.;-)
May 29th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Hey Corey, how about creating a goji berry hedge? You’re spoiling a surprise I’ve been planning on writing an article about just how easy it is to propagate goji berry plants from cuttings!
Well at least you’re confirming my secret sources regarding the goji berry cuttings! 
Polina, there’s a link in the article above to a grower that would be happy to sell you a goji berry plant. Or you can look for someone like Corey that has more goji berry plants than he knows what to do with. Also those dried berries at the Asian Market are just loaded with goji berry seeds that will have no difficulty germinating if you just plant them in soil.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Corey, can I get a goji berry plant or 2 from you?
Looks like you have too many…;-)
Do let me know.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
For those who are interested in growing goji berry hedge:
Goji berry is a perfect plant for hedge as its hardy and fast growing. As a matter of fact I have had mine for three year all around the boundry of my backyard. It’s very green and bushy. I created it from cuttings (Please read my previous article). I had a lot of berries last year that lasted me almost a year. What I did was I picked the berries and dried them with a dehydrator (about $40) from Walmart. Then I used a coffee bean grinder to turn them into fine powder. Everyday I mix one teaspoon of goji powder with a cup of hot water and honey. Guess what? By chance I think last year it cured my hayfever which I have had every year from September To November for the past 20 years. I am pretty sure it’s the goji but not 100 percent yet. I’ll just have to wait if the goji will help to rid my hayfever again this September. Wish me luck. I’ll keep you guys posted later this year.
May 29th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Jeff, very interesting information.
You, guys got me all excited about growing it. If only I could get a cutting from someone, so I can get it growing this season.
Any volunteers?
May 29th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
To Polina,
I am pretty sure that if you go to New York Chinatown early this summer, you’ll have no problem finding them. Chinese people use them for soup. Here in Toronto, we find it easily in Chinese Grocery Store durint summer. Hope this help.
Jeff
August 29th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Wow, I didn’t know so many people wanted to to grow these! My experience: I’m a amateur gardner. The type of person who takes any seed and throws it into moist soil to see what happens. I took a few dried Goji berries, cut them all in half and put them 2 inches down in some great potting soil. A few weeks later they were sprouting up. Now they look extremely healthy and are a foot tall. I tried to make sure the soil didn’t dry out (watered about each week) and kept it in a window facing East (in San Francisco). It drooped once when I hadn’t watered it in a while, but bounced back in 12 hours.
September 14th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
I am sprouting goji berries inside my house. Does anyone know what I should do next? They’re about an inch tall now. When and how should I transplant??
September 15th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
To Jeff Poon,
New York China town isn’t that close to me…and with the tolls and gasoline prices it would cost me a fortune…;-)
I wonder if anyone with Goji berry hedges would be willing to share a cutting or two.
September 15th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
David, do your goji berry seedlings have more than one set of leaves? If so I would guess that they are ready to prick out and transplant into individual containers. I’m not sure what area you are in but I wouldn’t set the seedlings outdoors in the ground until springtime because I don’t know how the young goji berry plants would handle winter weather conditions.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:13 am
My seedlings only have 1 set of leaves. I live in MIchigan, but I read that goji berry bushes can survive the winters as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
I watered the seedlings with the most ormus saturated thing I have available: bee pollen. 3 teaspoons of bee pollen in a glass of water.
I am trying to get ocean water from Hawaii. That would be good.
September 18th, 2008 at 4:09 am
David, I checked the Timpanogos Nursery instruction booklet from a goji berry seed kit and they recommend fertilizing with compost when the seedlings are 2 inches tall and transplanting after the goji seedlings are 3 inches. I would prefer to start the seedlings so that they would be ready to transplant in spring but the instructions indicate that they can be transplanted spring, summer, or fall as long as outdoor temperatures are not below 30 degrees or above 90 degrees. Also be sure that they are hardened off gradually to give the goji plants time to acclimate to outside conditions.
September 18th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Kenny, Thank you. Also, how do you differentiate between wolfberries and goji berries? Are goji berries bigger than wolfberries?
I am growing from berries that I do not want to eat anymore….so it’s not a seed kit.
September 18th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
I’m not sure about the differences between wolfberries and goji berries. There also seems to be some differences or variation between various goji berry plants that I’m trying to research and pin down.
September 27th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Hello, this is my first time posting here. Kenny, I really like your blog!
I live in Shikoku, Southern Japan, which has a temperature range of about -1 to 34 degrees C.
I planted wolfberries (goji) for the first time this March and again in May after improving my clay soil with rice husks and dead leaves. They have grown tremendously in just a few months and are covered in flowers and little green berries. They are visited by bees, a variety of wasps and butterflies, and a species of leaf beetle and its larvae. The latter is extremely destructive. I tried killing it cigar water which didn’t work, picking parents and children off by hand which works, and spraying with 30/70 milk/water which also seemed to work.
I’ve fertilized my plants with my own urine, directly and mixed with water. This is very easy to apply, and inexpensive.
If wolfberries are up your street, you may also like to try sea buckthorn. I have a male and female of this berry, and although it isn’t doing as well as the wolfberries yet, it is nevertheless surviving.
September 27th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Regarding wolfberry and goji, there is some rather confusing info about it here; http://www.gojiberry.com/pages/research8.html
September 27th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Watering the plants with urine?
I can’t even imagine the smell around the garden…..
If the urine could work the college campuses would be lavish jungles….
September 27th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
If there’s plenty of mulch around the plants, whatever slight urine smell there is doesn’t last more than 10 minutes. However, by way of comparison, the smell of milk spray lasts for several days and is not pleasant. The college campuses I’ve been on generally have a lot of concrete and no mulch, which is why they wouldn’t benefit.
September 28th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Male urine generally has a very strong smell, you might have got used to the smell of your own urine. Having mulch around plants only means the mulch is saturated with urine and retain that smell for a long time,…not like it would be just soil that rain washes away the urine and smell.
I don’t know what campuses you visited but here in USA tgey all have a lot of trees, some even gardens and flower beds…however the urine doesn’t improve the growth, on the contrary. Have you ever seen the burned out spots on the grass if animals urinate on it?….Here is the prove that the acid in urine kills the growth, not improves it.
September 28th, 2008 at 3:56 am
This is the last I have to say about this, as it isn’t specifically related to wolfberries.
Urine smells differently every day depending on what you’ve eaten and drunk, and this applies equally to females as to males. I’ve been observing this every day for the last 40 years, so I know. Carbon (mulch) absorbs ammonia which is what gives urine its smell. I wouldn’t like to spend any time in my garden if it smelt like the alley behind a pub, a smell you don’t easily get used to.
I have never seen grass or vegetation burned out by urine, and urine is not necessarily acid. It depends what you’ve eaten.
If you don’t like the idea of using urine on your wolfberries, there’s no need for it. Those who are happy to try it and observe the benefits might be pleased with it.
September 28th, 2008 at 9:38 am
I had 2 dogs at one time and observed many brown spots on my lawn, obviously you are ill informed about it….or maybe never had pets. We have garden hotline radio programs as well as county sorporate extention for each county to consult on gardening issues…Never ever in my life did I hear them advising on using urine as a fertilizer, or any animal waste…unless it it dehydrated cow manure.There are plenty of wonderful products on the market…have you ever heard of Messenger?…Urine and any excretions belong in a toilet bowl…not ourdoors where they get carried into the underground waters and eventually into the drinking water!!!!!
September 28th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
To get get off the urine topic for a second, I sprinkled MSM powder on my goji berry sprouts and they are taking off. Sulfur is awesome.
October 24th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I feel sorry for so many ‘Tibetan goji’ followers. Please visit my website go-goji.com to seek truth. I solemnly claim there is no such thing of ‘Tibetan goji’ on the world. None of the Tibetan knows ‘Tibetan goji’ while many of them are acquainted with Ningxia goji. There is no difference between ‘Tibetan goji’ and Chinese wolfberry simply because ‘Tibetan goji’ does not exist! Ningxia China has long history of growing goji. I am born in the zhongning – hometown of goji and I’ve never heard of any ‘Tibetan goji’ in my life. In China it is well known the best goji is produced in Zhongning, Ningxia. Other provinces started to grow goji in late 1990’s. If you ask any Chinese (including Tibetan) no one knows there is ‘Tibetan goji’. I guess only westerners who have little information of goji believe ‘Tibetan goji’.
As a native of the hometown of goji in China, I am enough with this kind of groundless claims. I welcome questions or even debate from anyone, but please review my website go-goji.com first to point out anything that is not correct. For those who intentionlly make up ‘Tibetan goji’ legend for marketing purpose, I have nothing to say. I am here just want to tell the truth. Goji customers, you may have noble motivation to help Tibetans by buying ‘Tibetan goji’, but believe me not even a penny has been earned by Tibetan farmers, you are feeding fat some online goji traders who sell Chinese goji or wolfberry under the name Tibet!
November 12th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Sorry to break it to you Polina, but urine does work. My grandma used to do it for her garden. Her Goji garden was the nicest in town!
November 13th, 2008 at 11:33 am
In the hometown of goji, traditionally goji farmers use waste of soybeans or sesame seeds to fertilize goji plants. After oil is squeezed out of soybeans and sesame seeds the left over waste is made in the shape of a big pie, and sold to farmers as fertilizer. I have socked some soybeans in a bucket of water and cover it in hot summer, after a couple of weeks (better after a month or two), I use it to fertilize my garden. It is one of the most effective organic fertilizer I have ever used!
November 13th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
My goji are coming along very nicely. I have a good crop of berries. But … goji don’t seem to taste very good raw. They taste a bit like raw eggplant or something. I’ve put a lot of mine in 35 degree alcohol with sugar, and it makes a pleasant aperitif (it probably needs some citrus peel too, or something else to round out the flavour). I’m also going to try drying some.
So what do you other growers do with your berries?
December 18th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Rod,
Actually goji tastes good (sweet with a little sour taste) fresh or dried. I never heard any complaints of goji’s taste in China until I came to US. You are not alone, I heard similar claims from quite a few goji growers here. One of them said he bought ‘authentic Tibetan goji seeds’ as claimed. I am sure they are not goji, at least goji in common sense (edible, have strong health benefits and been used in Chinese herbal medicine for over thousand years). I am not offending somebody but the truth is there is no ‘Tibetan goji’ in the world. I know the internet is filled with misleading goji information and most of them claim ‘Tibetan goji’ (if only this thing exists!) is different from Chinese wolfberries, but even more lies can not change a bit of truth: goji is wolfberry. goji is just another calling of ‘gou chi’ because similar pronunciation. Even in China many people called go-ji. If the berry does not taste good, better not to touch it, who knows how it comes out.
Can you send me a couple of photos of the berry and tree, I might help with your questions.
Please visit my website go-goji.com to find more about goji.
December 18th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Rod,
The link you provided (goji berries vs. wolfberries) tells a big lie. The photo claimed as Tibetan goji looks more like artificial make-up or something. With averge elevation of 5000 meters (15000 feet) barely nothing can grow in that barren highland. If you still have doubt, google ‘goji’ and check it up from some online encyclopedia like wikipedia. There are bunch of responsible reports from researchers to demystify ‘Tibetan goji’. Trust me, those greedy goji sellers intentionally distort the truth, try to make big profit. They sell common goji (or gou chi) under name of ‘Tibet’. I feel disgusted of these liars!
Regarding the shape of goji berry, there are three types: round, long, and between. Round berries are some old cultivars, the berry shape was like that when I was small boy, later after years of selection and breeding program, the dominant cultivar yield long shaped berries. The update cultivars are more high yielding, more tolerant to disease and high in quality.
If there are such a goji farm in Tibet, can you ask them to send you a photo? I guess they have to coax a Chinese man to put on Tibetan costume to take photos in a Chinese wolfberry(goji, or gou qi zi) farm if they treat you seriously…….
December 18th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Zhisheng,
It’s true there’s a lot of rubbish published about goji. The thing about them turning black when touched is nonsense.
I had a look at your site a while back. It’s very informative and persuasive. I also checked out the info on Wikipedia. I emailed you too about getting hold of Chinese cultivars for Japan, but I didn’t hear back (perhaps you didn’t get the mail?)
I have a lot of pics of my goji plants and berries on my blog at http://matsuyama-eco-home.blogspot.com/ Please have a look and see if you can identify the type.
At the moment I’m drying the berries on the electric heater, and my wife is trying to devise recipes that use them. They’re better in cooked food than raw.
December 19th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Hi Rod,
I remember I got one email from you previously and I did respond to you. Something wrong with gmail server?
I took a look at your fresh berries verses the dried berries you bought in Japan. The fresh berries look pretty round, is it very juicy? It looks like a wild variety. I had experience to eat wild goji berries in mountain area in Ningxia when I was teenage. It grows in very dry condition and the soil is not good either, however it can survive that harsh condition and bear small round berries, which taste very juicy and mild sweet, not bitterness. The leaves of wild goji berry tend to be round and much smaller to preserve water as they live in semi desert or desert area. ningxia would be a desert without irrigation. What shape does leaves from your plant have? Just curious if I can take a look at the pictures. i have a picture of wild goji, it is stored in my office PC, I share with you if you like.
If your plant is wild goji, i would like to attribute the bitterness of the berries to the environment. I would say even the cultivated goji taste different if put them in different environment. Goji likes strong solar radiation and less rainfall, less sun could be the reason of its bitterness. This is only my guess since I have not seen your goji plant.
How is the climate in your area? My impression is Japan has oceanic climate which features abundant rainfall and mild temperature in winter and fewers sunny days. If you live in a place like this, it is not easy to grow goji well.
Thank you for visiting my website, please let me know if you have other questions.
Jason
May 25th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Growing gojis is the pacific Northwest. I have some kind of white mold or fungus coating the leaves and killing them. Any thoughts? Thank you.
June 25th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Lightly Sprinkle entire plant, and soil, with “ground cinnamon.” This will kill most fungus, and help prevent damping-off disease.
July 20th, 2009 at 11:33 am
I’m a newbie to Goji growing but a long time farmer grower. I started my plants from dried Goji I purchased at Whole foods. My plants are a week old, I sad I was a newbie. They came up very fast. I noticed that many of the blogs I read are having problems with rabbits, I have a solution to that problem. A water sprinkler that turns on when it senses anything in its path. A few companies make them, Havahart is one. It works great for me with ground hogs and it waters my plants at the same time.
July 22nd, 2009 at 8:32 am
Hello Kenny,This site is invaluable and the comments from everyone are very helpful! I am new here to the Goji world and would love to buy some seedlings to grow myself at home – however your supplyer Timpanogos Nursery is no longer in business (or at least their phone# is out of service). I will try what Dan said and buy some from Whole Foods. I am very excited and will keep you updated on the progress…
Thanks again!
August 31st, 2009 at 6:27 am
Hello Kenny and all who are posting on here. This is such a great resource. I live in New England (Rhode Island) and it looks like I can actually grow these plants. Is there anyone in my area that has some cuttings that I could get.. Or does anyone know of a good source in New England to get some? If not, I guess I’ll try growing them from seed. Will they actually keep there leaves if they are in a pot inside during the winter? Just wondering if august is too late to start plants from seed.
Thanks!
August 31st, 2009 at 8:43 am
Steve,
I think you still can grow from seeds in August as long as you can keep the seeding pots warm in your greenhouse or indoors. When the plants grow to 10 inches, i suggest you lower temperature to allow them to enter dormancy (leaves will fall off). I think goji need certain time for winter dormancy to stimulate next year’s growth. Last fall I put a pot of goji bush indoors and watch it grow. It did very well until late December when it start to shed leaves, it stay there half alive half dead until spring when new leaves buds start to appear. However its growth can never match with other plants what went through dormancy. It was still very short in July. I guess goji is like a man who needs sleep at night, without a good sleep (dormancy) it just can’t work at its best to grow and yield.
August 31st, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Hello again Kenny, Two and a half years ago we started about 200 Goji plants, from Da Ma Ye Goji Seed. We germinated these seed in small, Jiffy Pot Green Houses, and then transplanted the sprouts into 1 gallon (organically fertilized) containers. These plants were kept in semi-shade for the first 6 months, and then gradually moved into direct sunlight. They produced many leaves, and flowers, the first year, but no berries. While dormant, the plants were left outside, subjected to all the elements, excessive rain (60 + inches), and a strange late “double frost.” Only about half the Goji broke dormancy. The rest suffered from “root rot” and died. The second year was similar. With about 60 inches of rain, only 90 plants made it through their second year, and into dormancy. Half of those came out of dormancy. I have now transplanted planted 18 of the survivors in my yard (that’s all I had room for), and we have either sold (to support our mission), or given the rest away. I am happy to report that all 18 plants are now putting on new stems, and leaves, and looking very healthy. I hope to at least get them to “flower” before October. I will try to put new pictures in our GojiTrees.com , ‘Goji Picture Gallery’ asap. At the present time, we can only imagine how sweet it must be to eat a fresh harvested Goji berry. We can hardly wait. Until then, we use the next best thing.:)
August 31st, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Dear Goji Friends,
As I read your post, I see your interest in planting “rooted cuttings” from the Goji Tree, to speed up the growing process. There is an old Arkansas proverb that says “It doesn’t pay to get in a hurry.” Please keep in mind that a “rooted cutting” will not produce a ‘tap root.’ The True Goji Tree is renowned for its mighty tap root. The rare nutrient “Germanium,” a cancer inhibiting agent (shrinking tumors in rats), is found in the ‘tap root’ of the Goji Tree. How many other nutrients are lost when you sacrifice the tap root for expediency? It is like a house built upon the sand. Without a tap root, even a slight wind can up-root, and kill, a mature Goji Tree. Then all will be lost. Is a Goji, without a tap root, still a Goji? How do you know? Has anyone tested a “tap rootless” Goji Tree for “nutrient loss?” Until someone does, GojiTrees.com will stick with growing “Seedlings.” We have and endless supply of traditional Da Ma Ye Goji Seed (Ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine), and with proper nursing, the strongest of the strong will survive.
August 31st, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Oh no! First we had to worry if our goji berries actually came from the Magic Valley of Tibet, now we must be sure to ask the seller if they are Tap Root Certified goji berries. Where will this end?
I tore off some branches from my wolfberry trees and stuck them in soil mixed with compost, and they’re doing very well, in spite of not being watered very attentively. I daresay that they’ll be most deficient in Germanium, but sometimes I like looking at plants without torturing myself over what nutrients they may be lacking.
August 31st, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Dear Rod, Don’t Worry! Be Happy! Just grow your own Goji! I too can appreciate the beauty of the noble Goji. Just check out the beautiful pictures at: http://www.GojiTrees.com . However, as a disabled old man, with diabetes, and cronic heart failure, I am far more interested in the medicinal (nutritional) value of the plant. Ever since the dried “Ningxia” Goji berry cured my cronic gastritis 4 years ago (a condition I had suffered with for more than 25 years), I have been totally focused on trying to understand, and grow this wonderful, Traditional Chinese Medicine. I must say, it has been a real education in natural healthcare. The more I use this herb, the healthier I get. I am always happy to share what I have learned about this amazing medicinal herb, with anyone who has ears to hear, at no charge. Warmest Regards,
August 31st, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Rich,
I totally understand your concern of losing Germanium when growing goji from cuttings. However there are far more advantages than disadvantages to grow goji from cuttings:
1. Good cultivar can only be propagated using cuttings. Like NQ-1, the best way to propagate this cultivar is to start from cuttings. If starting from seeds, you will have mixture of varieties for next generation. Though there are some NQ-1 plants but you need wait until flowering time (2-3 years) to pick them out.
2. Growing goji from cuttings can greatly save time. Cuttings taken from a goji tree at yielding age can grow to bear berries the same year. For example, if you take cuttings from a 3-year-old tree in the spring, once the cuttings grow roots and get established, new shoots come from the cuttings will bear flower buds and yield berries in late summer or fall.
Due to advantages stated above, in primary goji production province Ningxia, cuttings propagation method is widely adopted and seedling propagation method has been discarded.
Nearly all parts of a goji plant has medicinal value – the leaves, the flower, the berries, the bark and roots. The only advantage to stick with seedling might be Germanium consideration. But if you want to use roots, you have to sacrifice berries and leaves because the plant would die without roots.
One more comment, goji without tap root is still goji. As I mentioned probably 90% of goji we are consuming were picked from trees that were grown from cuttings. We never doubt its medicinal value. Goji plant grown from cuttins have lateral roots which will support the plant. Goji roots grow very fast given the soil and water combination is right. Excessive water will cause root rots or shallow root distribution, in semi-arid and arid regions more vertical roots would develop to penetrate sub layer of soil to extract water.
August 31st, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Can anyone here give me couple cuttings from their Goji tree?
I don’t seem to be able to find it in my area.
September 1st, 2009 at 11:50 am
Regarding the medicinal use of goji’s roots, here is a brief translation of an online Chinese herb medicine book:
Di-Gu-Pi (earth born skin) is a name of dried skin of goji roots in Chinese herb medicine. It is harvested in either early spring or late autumn. First dig out and clean the roots, then peel the skin off, cut into 2-5 cm pieces, dry it out in cool and dry place. The major function of Di-Gu-Pi is as following:
1. cure whooping cough accompanied with blood
2. cure blood spitting, blood urine
3. cure excessive sweating due to weak constitution.
This is a very brief and simplified translation, so please do not consider this is a prescription. Using Chinese herb medicine requires a lot of training and experience, especially when combining different herbs in the treatment.
One thing very interesting is Di-Gu-Pi is not necessarily taken from tap roots. In the experiment to test Germanium’s cancer inhibiting function, was the tap root used as material due to its bulky volume and conclusion was made Germanium was found in tap root, or both side roots and tap roots were tested and only tap root was confirmed to contain Germanium?
It sounds unreasonable that certain chemical exists in goji’s tap root not in side roots. I think the only difference might be in amount due to difference in mass of the roots.
September 1st, 2009 at 2:21 pm
I live in Indiana and have a 3 yr. old goji. Last year it had a few blooms but bloomed too late (it seemed) for the berry to develop fully. This year, it is covered with blooms and the berries are developing but are so tiny that I am concerned that they will not reach maturity. It’s the first of Sept. will frost stop their development? Should I try to build a plastic “tent” over it? I feel like a mother hen, I know so little about these plants and information is not easy to come by. I have learned a lot reading these comments. Thanks.
September 1st, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Ruth,
Yes you can try to put a greenhouse to protect your plant from the first frost. However while greenhouse can raise up temperature it also keep too much moisture which is not welcomed by goji plants – mildew may develop and your berries may go black (very common problem in humid environment). I am just curious why your plant bloom so late, how big is the berry? Berries from my first year goji tree (cultivar NQ-1) has average size of 1 to 1.5 cm (half inch) and I expect to see they will become larger next year (see pictures on my website go-goji.com). Is your plant thorny or not?
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I take it they are pretty sensitive to cold? When is the normal blooming time? The only berry I had last year was about 1/2″ and it never turned red. My plant is thorny. I read somewhere that they like an alkaline soil. Mine had some yellow leaves a few week ago, I checked the soil and it was somewhat acid so I added some lime and then have been watering it with egg shells soaked in water a couple of days. It’s a pretty green now so I feel it helped. Could the acid soil cause it to bloom late? I think I will try to figure out a way to cover it with plastic and then uncover it later in the day. Thanks for your help. I’ve had a hard time getting information.
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:44 am
Ruth, It is our understanding that the Goji Tree can withstand temperatures down to -16 degrees fahrenheit, and up to 104 degrees F. I have also read that the Goji Tree needs to “freeze” to truly go dormant. Perhaps Jason can clear this up for us.
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:50 am
Ruth, “acis soil” can cause the Goji Tree NOT to bloom. Goji loves High PH >8.2 -9. I use simple lime pellets to raise PH.
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:06 am
Ruth, I posted a reply to your message last night but it doesn’t show up, weird.
Rich is right, goji can tolerate very cold temperatures in winter and very hot temperatures in summer. But when temperatures drop below 10 C (50 F), its growth starts to slow down and eventually enter dormancy when daily average temperatures remains 5 C (41 in Fahrenheit). Yes freeze will happen at night when average daily temperature is about 5 C.
Goji generally likes alkaline soil and grow the best when pH is 7-8. Modern cultivars can tolerate even higher pH. But goji can also grow in mild acid soil – in goji growing provinces not all soils have pH>7. Here in my goji garden (Des Moines, Iowa) the pH showed on detailed US soil survey map is 6.0-6.5, and I added some compost manue to fertilize the soil so I guess the soils should be kind of acid but my goji trees bloomed in June and berries got ripe in July.
Almost every one knows goji prefers to alkaline soil but very little research was done to quantify the goji yield loss due to high pH value, I consulted with Chinese goji experts but they could not provide reliable data either. My theory is rather attributing goji’s poor performance to soil acidity, let’s look at the other important environmental variable which is closed related to soil acidity – rainfall. In either US or China, in regions with abundant rainfall, the soils tend to be clayey and silty, resulting in poor drainage.
On the other hand, in areas with less rainfall soils are usually more sandy with better drainage. Clayey loamy soils usually bear lower pH value, while sandy soils, especially exposed to high solar radiation, often shows high pH value. If you look at US soil pH maps, you will understand what I am talking about – wet regions have lower soil pH while dry areas have higher pH value. This is only my presumption which needs validation, but to me, if the soil is good in drainage, rich in nutrients, and weather is not too wet, I might not worry too much about soil pH when growing goji.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Thanks guys for all the info. My soil is clayey but it has good drainage, it’s on a slope. It’s planted next to a chain-link fence and I would like to plant the goji’s all along the fence. I’m pretty sure I got this plant from a Jung seed catalog. I put it in the ground 3 years ago and didn’t pay too much attention to it. Really didn’t know what to do with it. I think I should have pruned it but I thought it was supposed to be a vine. Now I hear that it can be a vine, tree, or bush. Wonder what the most productive form is? Indiana has plenty of cold weather to freeze into dormancy. But we also have droughts and this year an exceptionally wet year and many cloudy days and a cool, wet, extended spring. Doesn’t sound like great goji weather. I was just looking at it and it is just full of hundreds of blooms and tiny berries about the size of a BB. How long does it take the berry to develop? It is being polinated by many bumblebees. (We’re having some honeybee shortages around here but apparently not bumblebees.) If I get more gojis do you think I should order them from somewhere else? I think I would like to dry some of the leaves for tea this winter, will this hurt the plant? Rich, are the lime pellets slow-release? When and how many do you use? I have been rather cautious about digging amendments in as I didn’t want to damage the roots. I really would like to save all these little berries if I could. I did read about not touching the berries because they would turn black and shaking the bush/vine over burlap to collect the ripe berries. How do you harvest them? Sorry about all the questions but there is so much I’d like to know. Thanks.
September 9th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Ruth,
It does not hurt goji tree for you to harvest some leaves, especially from branches with very few flowers. Is your goji tree still blooming or berries start to turn red? Depending on weather you might have 20-30 days of above freeze temperatures, you are done with this season when temperature drops close to freeze or below freeze.
Not touching goji berries is just non-sense! Goji berries turn to black because a fungus disease, it is called goji black-fruit disease, which was well studied and described in China. Due to wet and cool season this year in the Midwest, my goji trees also caught this problem, many became black even though I never touched them. I use garlic extract to control mildew problem in my goji garden.
September 9th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Jason,
My goji is still blooming and the berries are still so small I can hardly see them. I have a feeling they are not going to make it. Maybe next year we will have an early spring. I got some lime pellets and I’m wondering if I should spread them around the plant or just dig them in lightly? Would it be just as good now to wait until the plant goes dormant? Thanks so much for your help.
September 10th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Ruth,
I share the same concern with you – it is too late if the berries are still very small. My personal suggestions: pick leaves and flowers as much as you can now, leaves and flowers are also very good stuff, at least you can harvest leaves and flowers.
I doubt adding any lime pellets would stimulate goji to bloom early, as I mentioned soil acidity is not a restricting factor for goji flowering time. Seriously I am concerned with what cultivar you may have. As you live in IN as major corn growing state, here is an example: you can not grow corn of CRM 118 in your zone simply because accumulated temperature units in your region can not meet requirement for its growing and development. While in TX, GA where growing season is much longer, Growing CRM 118 is not a concern. I think same situation applies in your case.
Since your goji just start blooming, it implies it might be a variety originated from the south, where did you buy the plant and what did they say? Common Lycium Barbarum are grown in northern China, with similar latitute with IN, IA, PA, NE, OR and Northern CA, growing Lycium Barbarum should not be a problem in IN. Can you send me one photo of your plant (to zhisheng.qing@gmail.com), you can view photos of my goji on go-goji.com to see any difference with yours.
Once more, I call all goji growers, take it seriously to select cultivar/variety when start to growing goji, don’t accept anything available, due to lack of knowledge, much of information passed in North America goji community is either false or invalid.
September 11th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Dear Ruth & Jason,
I first started growing Goji about 5 years ago, when I purchased 2 live plants from Timpanogos Nursery Online. Although I never knew exactly what “cultivar” they were (I was told they were from Tibet), one plant did produce 2 very small berries the first year. This leads me to believe it was a rooted cutting from some unknown cultivar. The second year, excessive rainfall caused these two plants to rot at the root, and die. The good news is, I now have 16, 3 year old Goji Trees, and 2, 4 year old Goji Trees, planted in an 80 ft row, along my back yard fence. I have raised these plants from “Da Ma Ye” Lycium Barbarum/Goji Seed, which I Imported from Zhongning County, of the Ningxia Province of China. So far my Goji Trees have produced many leaves, and a few flowers, but no fruit. My soil is a mixture of sand and clay, mixed with organic humas, peat moss, and perlite. I have also applied “sea weed” and “fish emulsion” fertilizer for additional nitrogen, and nutrients. Before applying “lime pellets” my soil PH was around 7. While this is already on the “high,” or alkaline side, I have read that the soil PH in Ningxia China is >8.2 and above. I am sure Jason can confirm this. Ruth, The lime pellets I used to raise my PH are called “Quick Release” by “Signature Series.” It is recommended that you not use more than 5/lbs lime pellets, per 100 sq ft. We can do the math for more, or less. I simply worked the pellets into the soil with my “Garden Weasel,” and watered (soaked) them in. I can’t say for certain that it was the addition of the lime, but shortly after applying the lime pellets (within this past week), my Goji Trees began to bud, and bloom, with tiny purple, and white flowers, for the first time this year.They are beautiful!! Needless to say, we are thrilled. We will be posting new pictures on our website at http://www.GojiTrees.com very soon. I suspect it’s too late for any “berries” to produce this season, but the new buds, and flower growth, give us great hope that we will have fresh Goji berries in Arkansas next year. Warmest regards, Rich
September 11th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Jason,
I ordered my Goji from a J.W. Jung seed catalog, the nursery is located in Randolph, WI. However, I ordered it 3 yrs ago and do not have that catalog. This year’s catalog lists Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum cv.Ningxia #1 Crimson Star, also known as Goji berry) I can’t be sure that is what I received before but I think it is. It says the flowers appear in May and also says this variety is grown commercially in northern China. The hardiness zones are shown as 6-10. According to their map, I am in zone 5. I used to be in zone 6. Their map is configured differently than the ones I’m used to. Have our zones changed? I went out this AM and picked a lot of leaves, I left the flowers alone because the bees were having such a good time. I also noticed that a couple of the berries were starting to turn red but are only about 4 cm. I took some pictures but will have to scan them to you as my current camera is not able to download to my computer or printer. It will take awhile. I have some Jeruselum artichokes that are just now beginning to bloom. They are about 2 mos. later than usual so maybe it is just the weather conditions. I want to get some more Goji’s do you think the one listed above from Jung would be ok or is there a better choice? Thanks so much for your help. Ruth
September 11th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Rich,
Thanks for the info. If I get more goji’s I will try to amend my soil some. I have fish emulsion and was considering using that. I think the bottle says use every 2 weeks, is that what you do? When I added about a cup of lime powder about 6 weeks ago, it sure seemed to make a big difference in the appearance of mine. I have noticed that some of my shoots have over 3′ of new growth. It seems like a happy plant. Maybe since you are having the same experience as mine (late blooming)and my plant seems to be about at the same stage (age) as yours, maybe it just takes them a while to get regulated. Hopefully next year we will both have berries! I will check our your website. Ruth
September 11th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Ruth,
This is a very good discussion. I really like it because I can learn a lot from this forum. You are absolutly right of your comment on this year’s weather. This year has a very unique season with record low summer temperatures in Midwest and northern territories. This explains delay of flowering time and maturity date for many crops. I’ve never heard adding lime pellets can stimulate flowering. But as Rich experiment has proven it, this leads me believe some minerals in garden lime may be helping to enrich the soil. My goji flowered and ripened at right time despite that soil pH value here is less than 7 come to see photos at: http://go-goji.com/No1.aspx. You can apply garden lime to see if the situation can be improved. It might be too late for this season though.
I have heard of ‘Crimson star’ and checked out information on the website. ‘crimson star’ is claimed to be No1 of Ning-qi, but I am not convinced due to two claims made on their website (One Green World):
1. Pests & Diseases: Wolfberry is not bothered by pests or diseases
2. Bearing Age: 1 -2 years after planting
The first claim is totally misleading, because anyone growing goji knows goji is bothered by garden critters and disease. The second claim is not true either, if the cultivar is No1 of Ning-qi, it must be propagated from cuttings, NQ-1 cuttings should bloom and bear fruits the same year after it is transplanted, you don’t need to wait for several years.
Rich,
I also grown a few goji plants directly from seeds of NQ-1 last summer. I didn’t give them much care because I have NQ-1 plants and I guess if I am lucky a couple of them would grow to NQ-1. Last week to my surprise I found two flowers appears on two of these goji trees. Both are on the newly grown shoots. They are only one year old from seeds! I expect to see more next summer. What I found is trimming is important to stimulate flowering. My wife snapped branches and picked leaves to make tea.
September 12th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Talking of insect pests, do you have any experience with these horrible leaf beetles?
http://www30.atwiki.jp/kuteikai/?plugin=ref&serial=43
They’re very small, dark orange coloured beetles and their young are little slug-like blobs that coat themselves in their own excrement. They will completely strip the leaves off most of a plant leaving just a bare stem (coated with excrement).
I’ve tried tobacco spray, milk spray, and blasting them off with water spray, with mixed effects. Does anybody know of a good remedy?
September 12th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I haven’t got experience with this kind of bug but my goji plants have been bothered with other bugs including ants. Have you ever tried garlic extract? I used it and found it is effective to repel bugs and deal with mildew problems to some extent.
Jason
September 13th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Wow, I am thrilled to read all this discussion on growing Goji Berries….I have a two year old plant that I believe came from Timpanogos Nursery…a co-worker ordered some and I got 1…last year was dismal…thought it might even die…but this year, my goji has given me beautiful little fruit!…I live in central Arizona…Prescott area, summer is hot…winters still get cold…maybe 10 degrees F…I’m just not sure what to do with it now…harvested and ate berries today…maybe 60 or so….saved some for seed…looking forward to adding to my crop next year!
September 14th, 2009 at 10:57 am
Dear Goji Friends, We are pleased to announce that a “Class Action Lawsuit” has finally been brought against FreeLife International Inc. (creator of the “Tibetan Goji Hoax”), in THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, District of Arizonia, for “misrepresentation and deception in the marketing and sale of certain products.” You may read the “Complaint” for yourself from this .pdf file on our website. Please help us expose this fraud.
http://www.gojitrees.com/FreeLifeClassActionLawsuit%5B1%5D.pdf
September 14th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Dear Goji Friends, With regard to “insects,” Arkansas has them all, even some you may not have heard of. In my short time growing Goji, in the Magazene Mountains of Arkansas, I have learned one thing for certain (to my delight). “All God’s creatures love Goji.” If you don’t defend, and protect your Goji plant, it will be eaten by something (or someone). I have also learned that if you lightly sprinkle “ground cinnamon” on the plant, stem and soil, as soon as the Goji seed sprouts, this will kill most fungi, which causes “damping-off disease,” as well as deter most insects. Simply re-apply after each rainfall.
September 14th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
Diane,
Saving seeds from your berries and use them to propagate more plants is not a good idea. Please see go-goji.com for the reason. If you do believe your existing plant is a good one, get cuttings from it and propagate new plants from them.
September 14th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Dear Jason, Was original NQ-1 Goji plant started from “cutting,” or “seed?” And, from which cultivar?
September 14th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Hi Rich,
NQ-1 should be propagated from NQ-1 cuttings. However, if you grow NQ-1 seeds, some will turn to NQ-1 plants later. Identification of NQ-1 plants would need some knowledge, of course. That’s why I always say the best way is to start from cuttings of a exceptional cultivar, the second choice is to grow from seeds of a known cultivar. The last thing is to grow from unknown seeds which might be extracted from berries that had been grown from unknown seeds too. After several generations, the performance would greatly degrade, you can have a lush goji bush but may only yield a fraction of those grown from a good cultivar.
September 14th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Rich,
If you are asking how the NQ-1 was developed, the answer is as following:
NQ-1 was developed by many years of crossing and selection from Da-Ma-Ye Excellence (a improved cultivar of Da-ma-ye family). After the cultivar was developed, cuttings were taken to further propagate this cultivar. In China only those areas far away from Ningxia with very limited access to NQ-1 cuttings would start from goji seeds, but the seeds are strictly NQ-1.
September 14th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Jason,
If I am to take cuttings and propagate them, when is the best time (season) to do this? Should I do this before it goes dormant this winter, and nurse them through the winter inside my home? I do have a good location inside with southern expose.
September 14th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Diane,
Thanks for sharing your goji picture with me. The plant is very healthy, but berries are round and small. Definately it is one of the old cultivars. If you update your cultivar to new ones the yield will be doubled or even tripled.
Anyway, if you want to propagate from cuttings, the best time is spring at time when the plants are ready to break dormancy, use sharp knife to collect cuttings (select those strong and vertically growing ones)to cut at 45 degree angle. treat the cuttings with root growth hormone if you like, but not necessary and bury to well drainged and rich soil, fully water the buried cuttings. if you do this work outdoors cover garden film to raise soil temperature and retain moisture. Soil temperature is the key factor. You can wait until tempeature steadily rise to 50 degrees to start. Certainly you can do this job indoors.
One more suggestion: your goji is pretty healthy with a lot of leaf growth, if you can propagte more, it is a good idea to harvest goji leaves to make tea.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:40 am
My mother was a share-cropper for a cotton farmer in Arkansas. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of riding on her cotton sack, as she pulled it between the rows picking cotton. When I got to be old enough to pull my own cotton sack, mom made me one out of an old flour sack. Mother was also a great gardener. She loved to grow, and “Can” vegitables. As a child I remember her pushing an old “bicycle-wheeled” hand plow to make rows in her large vegitable garden. I found one (old hand plow) just like it a few years ago, in an antique store, and bought it. It has come in real handy in my Goji garden. Mom grew potatos in 55 gallon barrels. At the end of the season she would just push the barrels over, and reap the harvest. This was always a very impressive event. As I recall, mom grew some world class tomatoes, potatos, and every vegitable in between. While she did use a little “Sevin Dust” as a pesticide (bugs are real bad in Arkansas), her only fertilizer was her homemade compost, fish-guts, and rotted cow manure. My mother passed away a few years ago, and I sure am missing her right now. No doubt she could answer some of the gardening questions I still have. Although I know she is in a better place, I sure wish Goji had been around when she was alive. She would most certainly be growing Goji berries, and she might still be alive. Warmest Regards,
September 16th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Rich, What wonderful memories you have of your mother. I’m wondering how she did the potatoes in the barrel, I’d like to try that! Has anyone had any experience with Neem-Away? I use that ocassionally when I get desperate. It is an oil from the Neem tree and is supposed to be non-toxic and will not harm beneficial insects. I haven’t had to use anything on my Goji as it has not been bothered by anything yet. Ruth
September 17th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I made a pretty tasty tea with 2 parts goji leaves, 2 parts peppermint, 1 part lemon balm, and 1 part stinging nettle leaves. It’s a little heavy on peppermint so I think I will add 2 more parts of goji.
Can we talk about elderberries? I have been involved in growing elderberries for the past 2 years. They are very effective in preventing the flu and shortening the duration and symptoms when you have it. I just wondered if anyone else has had any experience with them? Ruth
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:08 pm
I have had Gojis for a couple of years. They are about 2 to 3′ feet long whips with a lot of berries (but the birds love them). The big issue I have had with them is that they are so subject to powdery mildew… Hope yours thrive!
September 24th, 2009 at 9:10 am
My goji bushes are nine feet tall the second year. There are many, many berries although they are really tiny and I am not sure why any info on that?
September 25th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Mike, I think I was on Rich’s website where he said he used garlic spray for powdery mildew. You might check that out. From what I learned on Jason’s website, I think you have to prune them to let light and air through and that would probably help the problem also. I haven’t had too much of a bird problem yet but my biggest little berry went missing and I suspect a bird. If mine ever get big enough to worry about, I will probably cover it with bird netting!
September 25th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Jean, we have had quite a good discussion about plants blooming late and berries being little. Start reading at 58. and I think you will find some answers. Mine are really little this year but at least they did get red (about 4 so far) and I have been able to taste them. They are pleasant tasting. I’m thinking my problem has been the cool weather this year but it may also be the cultivar that I planted. So I am going to get a different cultivar next year but I will keep my 3 yr. old plant to see what happens, and soon will pick more leaves for tea. Where do you live?
September 25th, 2009 at 10:41 am
Guys,
I had been counting on someone’s generocity to ‘donate” couple cuttings of plants…
Guess no volunteers?
September 25th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Polina, I could send you some from mine but I don’t think it’s the right time and I don’t think you want what I’ve got, as I’m not sure what I’ve got.
September 25th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
I live in Redding, CA zone 9 and it gets very hot here 114 degrees a couple of times this summer, maybe that has something to do with my tiny berries. So far I have had two small hand full of ripe berries and the are still more are coming. I didn’t use any fertilizer over the two years until this summer when I found kelp and fish fertilizer. Perhaps I have the wrong cultivar?
Thanks
Jean
September 28th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Dear Jean, “9 feet the second year!!” WoW! Are these seedlings, or cuttings? What have you done with your soil? What are you using for fertilizer? How much water are you giving them? How much sun? We would love to know what has contributed to your success. Warmest Regards, Rich
September 28th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Thanks Jean. Looks like you answered my question, before I even ask it.:o) I have found that All Gods creatures love Goji. Animals, birds, and incets, can sense the nutrition in the Goji berry plant, and are drawn to it by nature. Humans are also being drawn to the Goji berry, ‘by nature.’ It is ‘human nature’ to want to ‘defend ourselves’ from the poison toxins, and viruses, which have been unleashed on us, by the FDA, BIG PHARMA, and our so-called “Health Care System.” To say it needs “reform” is a gross understatement. Cancer, stroke, and heart attacks, caused by man-made products, and man-made staph infections, caused by man-made viruses, and man-made vacines, are killing more people each year, than all who die in war, or even on our nations highways. It is only “natural” to want to avoid this man-made catastrophe. I am personally convinced we can. Just like the animals, birds, and insects, humans know ‘instinctively’when we lack proper nutrients in our bodies. We baby’s ‘cry’ when we are hungry.:o) I guess the moral of this post is that “Goji is NOT “man-made.” And, I’m not so sure “man” can ever ‘improve’ upon it. A few things I am certain of however, is that “Goji has healed my body, and makes me smile.” It is inevitable that we will all share our Goji with someone (or some thing), and too much water, too much sun, too much heat, and too much cold, even too much ‘Nursing’ will kill the “Amazing Goji Berry.”:o( In my humble opinion, “moderation,” and “proper nutrition,” are the keys to growing healthy ‘Baby’s’ and healthy Goji’s.:o).
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:10 am
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ATTENTION!! MEDICAL ALERT!! WARNING!! POSSIBLE FATAL DRUG INTERACTION!!
Warfarin (Coumadin®) is the most widely prescribed anticoagulant drug in the United States. When taken with goji juice, cranberry juice, avocados, spinach, ginseng and fish oil supplements, Warfarin (Coumadin®) can cause stroke, heart attack, and death. “Warfarin” was developed to KILL RATS AND MICE, and it’s still being used for that same purpose today! If you are taking this “rat poison,” please speak with your doctor BEFORE consuming any berries, fruits or vegitables.
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“If the whole materia medica (drugs/medicines), as now used, could be sunk to the bottom of the sea, it would be so much the better for mankind – and all the worse for the fishes.” Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes
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In the above quote, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes was referring to the “chemical concoctions,” used, and promoted to this day, by the American Medical Association (AMA). “Medical mal-practice,” when combined with “dirty, staph-infected, hospitals,” and “poison pharmaceuticals,” has become the #1 cause of death in America. “Staph-Infected Hospitals” alone kill more people each year than all the automobile accidents in the United States, while Trial Lawyers continue to make a killing, off of all this killing. If Hippocrates knew what modern “American Medicine” has become, he would be rolling over in his grave. *Whatever happened to the Hippocratic Oath of “Do No Harm?”
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October 2nd, 2009 at 11:38 am
AN ANCIENT ACCOUNT OF THE AMAZING GOJI BERRY
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Amazed at the magic of the Goji Herb, the merchant bowed to the lady with respect and asked, “May I be so bold as to ask the lady what type of magical herb do you posses?” The lady replied, “This herb has five names. You want to take a different part of the herb each season. In Spring you take its Leaves, which is known as the Essence of Heaven. In Summer you take its Flowers, which is known as the Longevity of Life. In Autumn you take its Fruits, which is known as Chinese Wolfberry. In Winter you take the Bark of its Roots, which is known as the Skin and Bone of the Earth, or the Staff of the Almighty Creator. Taking these Four Parts in the Four Seasons respectively, will give you a life as lofty as Heaven and Earth.” Author Unknown
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:41 am
Thanks Rich for the warning. I don’t take it and I don’t know why anyone would. There are so many natural blood thinners such as Ginko, garlic, vitamin E, even aspirin would be better than that. Medicine has a long way to go. I think I’m going to buy some Goji berries. It looks like it may be awhile before I can grow enough to do me any good!
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:48 am
Thank you Ruth, glad to hear you don’t take “chemicals.” Chemicals kill.:o( Los Angeles Times thinks “Rich Nature” is the best Goji. So do we. It’s “chemical free.”:o) Please See: http://www.gojitrees.com/richnatureproducts.htm
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 am
Reply 96. was not on my screen when I wrote reply 97. Interesting. 96. is very uplifting. How does one harvest the roots without damaging the plant?
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Can anyone tell me approximately how many dried berries makes 15 grams?
October 4th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
I think the biggest problem with Goji’s is the pollination. Who or what is doing it?
Wind, bees?
Most of us have flowers, but no berries. Any clue ?!?!
Large leaved hybrid will faster bloom.
Leo Flandrae was here!
October 5th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Goji self pollinates so no other media is need for pollination. No berries coming from flowers may due to other factors. Where is your location? How about the climate?
October 5th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Thank for your fast response.
We live in zone 8b, that is supposed to be warm enough? We had an exceptional dry summer here, that means less rain than usual. All plants are in full sun.Some have two or three berries in full ground.
Self pollinating, ok, but in one or another way the pollen must move ?
Do you have experiences or knowledges about reasons of non pollination, others than the climate?
Can I send pics ?
Leo
October 5th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Leo,
I doubt the barrenness is due to hot temperatures. Extremely hot days (>95 degrees F) coupled with warm nights (>85 F) would damage anther and make it sterile. In your case maybe partial shade would help.
My two-cents…
October 5th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
I hear it takes up to 5 years from seed to goji berry
October 6th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
it can occur at the end of the 2nd year if the conditions are right
October 6th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
If you are using a seeds from a reliable cultivar, you would see flowers the second year and harvest some berries the third year. However the peak yielding will come after 5 years.
October 7th, 2009 at 7:14 am
This seems to explain the whole problem and looks to me as a breakthrough!
I hope you are mentioning your real own experiences?
Thanks a lot !!!
October 7th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Yes, it is from my real experience. Like Brian said the first flowers may appear the second year but whether the flowers grow to ripe berries depending on cooperation of the weather. The first flowers usually appear pretty late in the season. For the first year if the plant grow up to 1.5 feet, remove the top of the shoot to encourage growth of lateral shoots. Remove any lateral shoots below 1 foot height. for any lateral shoot with 45 degree angle to grow – such lateral shoot will turn to furiting branches late. Late in the season if there is one upward shoot growing out from the top of the tree near or at the point where the old upward shoot (main stem) was trimmed, leave this shoot to make it grow to main stem for the second layer next year. If the plant can not grow to 1.5 feet the first year, do the prunning second year.
I will post more details on my website go-goji.com please come back to visit.
October 8th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I am now the proud owner of a 3 month old, No.1 of Ning-qi Goji Tree ‘Seedling.’ He/She is beautiful. I hope I don’t “Nurse” him/her to death. Me thinks I am guilty of doing that in the past.:o(. I worry about these young plants like a Mother Hen. I say “Him/Her,” of course, because the Goji Tree is dual sexed. All one has to do polinate the Goji Tree is rub his/her beautiful flowers together. He/She will will polinate Her/Himself.:o) I think I will keep my 3 month old inside for the winter. A little Sunshine, and TLC, and in the Spring a brand new Gogi Tree… Just for me.:o)
October 8th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
ALL who search for the word “Gogi” will now find this post.:o)
October 9th, 2009 at 4:20 am
Searching for Goji cannot be done using Gogi imho.
October 9th, 2009 at 11:07 am
For you information – ‘go-gi’ is another calling of goji for people living in Taiwan, Hongkang and some southern Asian regions. My Taiwanness friend also calls it ‘gogi’, sounds very funny to me – i think it is just due to a local accent.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
quote:”ALL who search for the word “Gogi” will now find this post”
Nobody is searching after Gogi, and for the promoting of this fruit it is very bad that people start to confuse others with inventing new words. Godji, Gotchi, Gochi, Goshi, Goji, aso. Do you need more?
It is thrue, when I went shopping for Goji berries in a very big local Chinese supermarket here in Antwerp – Flanders, the Chinese women refused to understand my way of pronouncing, when I asked about Goji berries.
The third time when I came back, because friends convinced me that the Goji berries where absolutely in that shop, I searched and found them, myself, after searching. When I showed the shopkeeper the two kind of Goji berries he sells, and asking her why they didn’t sell them the first time I asked for, she only smiled and mumbled something in Chinese. I find that also very unpolite, and lack of respect for their customers.
Personally, I find you do the same with you Gogi stuff. Are you trying to force customers to learn Chinese, or your pronounciation in your interpretation of the English language?
Also you could change the title here in “Gogi update”!?
Are your customers rather people living in Taiwan, Hongkang and some southern Asian regions?
My Taiwanness friend also calls it ‘gogi’, sounds very funny to me – i think it is just due to a local accent. Any idea of how much English accents or ways of pronouncing exist in the world? Ok, you can start to make for all of them, a different word.
So finally, I understand that you try the whole world to learnd your and your friends way of pronouncing Goji ?!
What a joke!
October 9th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Congratulations Rich, on your new addition. Where did you get him/her? I’d like to get 2 good cultivars next spring. Also, how many goji berries should one eat daily for maximum benefit?
October 9th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I did not realize my FYI (for your information) post easily provoked someone. I can’t see any politeness either from the one who complained of impoliteness received from his local Asian store.
My suggestion is you ask for ‘wolfberry’ next time to shop goji berries, becaues ‘wolfberry’ is authentic English word that you feel comfortable.
If you don’t want to learn or know something, it is totally OK, just ignore it. That information may benefit others who may shop for goji while only ‘gogi’ is available from some Oriental stores. It is confusing but it is reality, trying to make others shut up is not purpose of this goji or ‘gogi’ or ‘go-chi’ update forum.
October 10th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Dear Ruth, I purchased my “No. 1 of Ning-qi” Goji seed online from Dr. Zhisheng Qing, of Dreamland Goji. I strongly encourage you to spend some time on his website @ http://www.go-goji.com/ I am convinced that Dr. Zhisheng (Jason) Qing is the foremost expert in America on “Growing Goji.”
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To answer your questions about “daily dosing,” I would suggest you read Dr. Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon. Below is an excerpt from his article on this subject.
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“Typical Dosing of Lycium Fruit: Lycium fruit is most often incorporated into complex herb formulas, in which its dose is in the range of 6–18 grams. Since other herbs in the formula could contribute significant amounts of compounds such as carotenoids and polysaccharides, this dose may be insufficient if lycium is used as a single herb remedy instead. There have been a few reports of using lycium fruit as a single herb or as a major component in a small recipe. For example, in the treatment of atrophic gastritis, one of the recommended therapies is to consume lycium fruits, 10 grams each time, twice daily (15). In folk medicine, for diabetes it is recommended to consume 10 grams each time, two or three times daily (16). As a food therapy for strengthening the elderly or debilitated, it is cooked with lean pork, bamboo shoots, and typical Chinese flavorings, and the daily dose would be 15–30 grams (17). As a dietary supplement for eye health (2), a dose of 15 grams per day was deemed beneficial in supplying adequate zeaxanthin (estimated at 3 mg/day). A simple tea for decreased visual perception is made from 20 grams lycium fruit as a daily dose (18). Thus, the dose in complex formulas of 6–18 grams shifts to a dose of 15–30 grams when it is the main herb, or about a 2.5-fold increase in the dose.” You can read the rest of this article at: http://www.gojitrees.com/lyciumfruitfoodmed.htm
October 10th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Ruth,
There is no absolute rule that how many goji berries one should eat. It is depending on one’s health condition. It is suggested taking 30 grams of dried goji berries daily would be safe for many people.
October 10th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Thanks Jason, for all of your help. I really appreciate it.
Your polite reply to Mr. Leo’s impoliteness shows considerable control and integrity. You have given all of us wonderful information and I can’t think of any good reason for anyone to be nasty.
October 10th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Rich and Ruth,
Thank you for your friendship and support. One small annoucement – I have updated my ‘goji knowledge base’ pages. I added some information for pruning goji tree. The information may not be very complete and detail but I guess some goji fans may find it helpful:
http://go-goji.com/Gojiprunning.aspx
October 10th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Dear Jason, Ruth, and to whom it may concern. Thank you for all your help. You are very much appreciated. Thanks to you, we may have Goji berries growing in Arkansas after all.:o) For the benefit of the room (this may open a can of worms;o), “Gou qi zi (“goo-chee-zee”), the Mandarin name for wolfberry, is of the Solanaceae nightshade family that includes tomato, eggplant, chile pepper and potato. In vernacular English, “gou qi zi” (literally “wolf”, “energy”, “berry”) has become “goji”.
)
For at least 2000 years, wolfberry has grown wild in China and used in common recipes and traditional Chinese medicine. 18th century Chinese farmers nicknamed gou qi zi “wolfberry”
when they saw wolves feasting among the berry-laden vines during late summer at prime harvest time.” To learn more about the modern & traditional uses, constituents, pharmacology, and history, of the “Go qi zi,” please visit http://www.goqizi.com
October 12th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Thanks Rich for all your info. When I first purchased my Goji, it was listed in the catalog as “wolfberry” I had never heard of Goji. Quite honestly, I really don’t care what it is called I just think it is a terrific plant and I want to grow it!
October 12th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Hello, Ruth.
I did send you a note thanking you for your generocity…You are the only one, that actually replied to my request…;-(
What kind do oyu have and where did you get your cuttings of the Goji berry? And when is the right time to take cuttings?
I had been looking all over asial stores in my area and nobody even heard of leaves, other than dry berries, nothing else is the stores….
October 13th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Hi guys! I love this place. I’m learning a lot. I am experimenting with growing goji aeroponically is a system that I created and made myself. So far they are 1 month and 3 weeks old from seed and some are 2 foot tall already. Is this normal height? Does anyone know how fast they are suppose to grow? Of course my hope is that they are growing faster than normal in my system. I read that the PH level should be greater than 9! Is this true? I haven’t started playing around with the PH levels yet but they are currently around 7 or so. Does anyone know the facts on the PH.
October 13th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Also. Has anyone ever eaten a fresh goji berry? I heard that they are very perishable, is this true? When you pick a goji berry how long will they last before they go bad? Any knowledge on these questions would be GREATLY appreciated.
October 14th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Hi Polina, I ordered the plant from the Jung seed catalog. When I ordered it, it did not tell what kind it was. It was called “wolfberry” Now they are saying that they have the good cultivars, in limited quantities. This was in the spring catalog. I think they only ship them in the spring. 1-800-247-5864 is their toll-free number. You can get the seeds (not from Jung) but it is my understanding that they don’t all develop into the desired cultivar so you would have to know which was which or know someone who knew. It all seems pretty confusing to me so I think I will go with cuttings or plants. Spring is the only time I can do cuttings because I am not set up for inside growing.
October 14th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Daryl,
Although goji prefers growing in alkaline soil, it can also grow in neutral soil or soils with a little acidity. I would say goji prfers soil pH 7-8. The modern cultivars can well adapt to soils with high pH value.
I ate fresh berries picked from my goij farm this summer. I ate a lot when I was small in China. They are not perishable, I collected some ripe berries to give to my friend but forgot them in my car trunk, after a few days the berries got a little dehydrated but did not perish. This contrast with other berries like blueberry. for more info, visit my website go-goji.com
October 14th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Hi Daryl, Wow, I’d like to know about your system. Two feet tall in 3 weeks sounds amazing. If you will go back starting at comment .68, you’ll find a good discussion on PH.
October 14th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Thanks Ruth and Jason, Actually it’s been about a month and 3 weeks, not 3 weeks. Yeah, I know I won’t have any fruit for at least 2 years, but my big hope is that in my system they will grow large enough to produce fruit in the first year. I’m not sure if that’s possible but there’s only one way to find out right. I would love to one day quit my job and sell fresh goji’s full time. I can’t think of a better career than to do something you like, make some money doing it, and help people to live healthier lives. That’s if I get these goji’s to produce friut. I currently have about 700 or 800 goji’s growing. But as they get bigger space is going to be a BIG issue. What I really need is a greenhouse but I’m not sure if I can afford one. Where I live there’s a lot of snow so it would have to be a 4 season greenhouse. Does anyone have one? Or does anyone know the cheapest one out there that can withstand the snow?
October 14th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Where do you live Daryl?
October 14th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Hi Ruth! I live in Northwest PA. It gets pretty cold up there during the winters. We can get a couple feet of snow in one day so it’s important that I get a greenhouse that can handle it.
October 14th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I don’t know much about greenhouses, maybe someone else will be able to help you. I have a small, 8×8 plastic covered greenhouse and I am able to grow fresh spinach all winter here in central Indiana. It gets below zero, at least once, maybe more depending on the severity of the winter. I guess you would have to have one tight enough to use a heater with out breaking you financially!
October 16th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Dear Goji Friends, The “non-perishable” natute of the Goji berry makes it one of the best “survival foods” known to man. Everyone should stock-up on “dried Goji berries.” You will find the very best dried Goji berries available, in bulk, at the following website. http://www.gojitrees.com/bulkdiscounts.htm
October 16th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Jason, thanks so much for the pruning tips. I just got time to check it out. This will be so helpful this spring. My 3 yr. old “bush” is pretty ugly. Should I try to shape it up some?
October 16th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Yeah, do not feel sorry for teh branches you are removing. You will be surprised to see more berries come out from the new growth next year.
October 16th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Jason, I am pruning my Goji now, according to your valuable instruction, and I would like to plant the cuttings immediately. How deep should a “root-less” cutting be planted?
October 16th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Hey guys, I found something out that really sucks. Goji’s really don’t like change at all! I moved about 100 goji’s into my new larger aeroponic system and they are all wilting really bad. I hope they make it. Hey Ruth, what are the pruning tips? I heard that you should keep them prunned at like 5 ft. Is that correct?
October 17th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Hey Daryl, go back and read 120 and you shall know if you go to his website! Hope your goji’s come out of it. I’d still like to know a little about your system, or is it a secret? With the weather changing like it seems to be, we may all be growing in greenhouses in the years to come. Also, what cultivar are you growing?
October 20th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Thanks Ruth, sorry but it is kind of a secret. We are designing the system around the concept and going to make smaller versions of it. Assuming all the tests go well we will be obviously trying to sell it. I’m sure it will take awhile for all the testing to be done. Anyway, I’m not sure what cultivar my goji’s are because I got all the seeds from dried goji’s. From what I understand, most of the dried goji’s over here are the Da Ma Ye, or something like that. I’m thinking about buying some seeds so I know exactly what I’m getting but for now with all the tests I’m doing I assume most of what I have will die. I guess I’m pushing them to the limits you could say. But yes, I would love to eventually get some certified seeds.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Daryl, don’t feel to bad. I have killed hundreds of Goji plants, trying to grow them in a very harsh invironment. Too much water, and too much heat will kill them. I have both problems. On average, we will get over 60 inches of rain each year, and my thermometer said it was 112 degrees F in my garden this year. This burned my tomatoes up, but my 18, 3 year-old Goji plants (planted in partial shade) survived. I had many large leaves, and a few flowers, but no berries this year.:( BE PATIENT!! It has been our observation that the young, and tender, Goji seedling will often lay over on the ground, and begin to look very weak. One of two things are happening. The Goji is either “concentrating on root growth,” or dying from “damping-off disease.” In your case, the plant may also be suffering from “transplant shock.” I would recommend that you treat immediately for “damping-off disease,” and be patient. The Goji Tree has an amazing will to live, even in very adverse conditions. Warmest Regards,
October 20th, 2009 at 10:57 am
BTY, you can now see the difference between the Traditional Da Ma Ye Goji Seed, and the No.1 of Ning-qi Goji Seed, by visiting http://www.GoQiZi.com/
)
October 20th, 2009 at 10:59 am
OOPs! of course in ment BTW (by the way.”:)
November 11th, 2009 at 1:14 am
Hi from down under, I live near Perth, Western Australia. We have a mediterrean climate, 36 inches of rain in winter and around 5c to a hot dry summer at up to 40c. Very hungry dry silica sand which is water repellent. We do still have kangaroos and Bandicoots living near us, but like the rest of the world have a bad rabbit problem.
We are in our spring planting time and our local nursery talked me into buying a Goji berry (Lycuim barbarum). I googled and found your site. It has been a great site for information which i Thank you all for. My loan Goji has trebled its size in eight weeks, standing about three feet tall with many branches, I made sure of placing a rabbit barrier around it, temperatures are around 30c at this point.
Keep up the good work. Les
November 12th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Hi Les, What a neat place to live. I don’t even know what a bandicoot is! I think you’ll like your Goji. Here in Indiana we’ve had 2 light freezes and several heavy frosts and my Goji is still green. It’s not as cold sensitive as I thought it was.
Good luck with your Goji, sounds like heat will be your challenge. Be sure to check out Jason’s pruning information. I didn’t have any idea what to do with mine and by the time I found this Goji site, it was way out of hand. I will have to prune mine severely in the spring.
November 14th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Thank you Ruth for your advice, checked out comment 120, a very useful site for pruning information. Bandicoots are australian marsupials, about the same size and colour as rabbits, they have a very pointed nose with sharp teeth but only eat worms and insects. Les
November 16th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
Thanks for the info Les, I’ll have to look them up!
November 21st, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Hi, it’s been very useful to read all the comments about growing goji – I got some goji seeds from ebay and soaked them in a pot of water on my windowsill. They started sprouting after a week or so, then I put them in a pot of compost, and they’ve all grown into little green plants. I repotted them into their own pots a couple of weeks back and they’ve all been ok, they’re still on my windowsill, but I’m running out of room! I realise I’ve overwatered them because they’ve started to look a bit wilty, so I’ve left them alone for a bit. Got some horrid little black flies that are everywhere tho, really tiny, and possibly eating the leaves – they run all over the soil in the pots and are resting on my walls. Will the cinnamon get rid of the flies, do you think? What other household ingredient could I use? Don’t want to use something with a name I don’t know as ok.
Also would it be ok to put the seedlings out for the winter as I’m running out of space? I was told they wouldn’t be hardy over their first winter. Some have 3 or 4 leaves.
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Kish,
Try some garlic extract liquid. It worked some summer on my plants to prevent certain bugs.
Don’t put plants with 3-4 leaves outside in winter. They are not hardy enough to overwinter at this age. They can be planted outside when reach 1-2 feet.
November 24th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I purchased cuttings for Goji on e-bay. The seller advertised for 10 but I received twice that amount AND the price was reasonable. I had recently purchased an Aerogarden with the intent of starting other mail order seed (passioon flowers, Hawaiian Woodrose, etc) but discovered the hydro system pretty much caters to its own seed pods, HOWEVER…it is excelant for starting cuttings.I know have close to 20 @12 ” seedlings over wintering in my greenhouse and might start more. I HAD attempted to grow them from seed last spring without much luck. I have been asked if Goji is requires a male/female plant to fruit and haven’t found any referances to the subject( and in my experiance, anyone hoping to sell these plants are eager to tell you to buy more than 1..lol)
November 25th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Just-in-thyme,
Goji is self-pollinating plant, you don’t need multiple plants for polination. Visit my website go-goji.com for other cultivation information. Do you know the cultivar of the plants you ordered?
December 20th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Just-in-thyme, did you receive a “Phyto-Sanitation Certificate” with your cuttings? Happy Holidays & Warmest Regards, http://GojiMasters.com/
December 21st, 2009 at 2:23 am
We have Goji plants in our tunnels in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa and are trying to find out how to root the cuttings. What method should we use i.e. the softer wood or harder wood?? Rooting powder Seradex no 1 or 2?? How should we grow them? In mini tunnels? And at what temperatures? I know there are people who made plants form cutting and I also would prefer that as all material is the genetically the same.
Please help and kindest regards
December 24th, 2009 at 10:31 am
I live on the outskirts of Perth and like Les said earlier we have terrible soil and hot summers. That said, I’ve planted about twenty goji’s I’ve raised from seed myself in the spring – and they are handling the conditions well. I haven’t had any casualties. I’ve found they like the liquid fish fertilizer and a bit of seaweed extract every 2 -3 weeks….and they are happy. Fingers crossed but I have big expectations of lots of berries next year.
December 24th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
Goji is regarded as one of the best plants to grow in bad soils in China. Goji can handle sandy soil with coarse gravel grains with high soil pH.
December 27th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Thanks Jason – my plants won’t be disappointed if they like bad soil! I sometimes think we have the worst in the world. But so far all are going well, and thanks for website you put together!. Very helpful and I got a lot of valuable information from it!
January 18th, 2010 at 8:27 am
Great website. I recently placed an order for two plants, and I feel somewhat behind schedule with all of these entries. However, the information here will hopefully eliminate some trials and tribulations. I have questions on watering and the best planting soil. In Jersey, we clayey ..not very well drained soils. I have read varying opinions and I guess if you had very sandy soils …a lot of water may be required. But as Ralph Snodsmith (look him up on line) always says spend spend time in preparing the soil to recieve the plant and you’d have success(I forget his saying but that is the message). What soil is the best soil for Gojis?
January 18th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Doug,
I would say sandy loam soil or loamy soil with considerable sand content would be ideal for growing goji. Soil is just one aspect, climate also plays the role. Goji is not THAT picky on soils but won’t tolerate very humid and wet weather.
January 18th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Dear Doug,
Too much water will kill the Goji plant, regardless of age. It has been my experience that the Goji will tell you when it’s thirsty. When the leaves begin to wilt, give the plant a little drink of water (very little). Like people, the Goji fruit will only become what you feed it (we are what we eat). Feed (fertilize) your Goji’s with a good organic mixture of nutrient, and mineral rich humas, in well draining soil, protect them from the critters, and live happily ever after.:o)
January 21st, 2010 at 8:28 am
Please help us “STAND WITH HAITI.” Visit http://www.gojitrees.com and become a “Partner In Health” for the Haitian people.
January 23rd, 2010 at 11:26 am
It occurred to me that Haiti, with its ‘arid mountain regions,’ and ‘high plateaus’ could be a wonderful place to grow Goji from seed, especially along the Atribonite River. Goji is known for growing in ‘poor soils,’ and Haiti’s soil, once known for its rich fertility, has been damaged by years of deforestation, and soil erosion. Goji, with its long tap root (when grown from seed), could help stabilize the soil, and provide the Haitian’s with desperately needed food, medicine, employment, and possibly even an economic base. With the demand for Fresh Goji berries, far exceeding the supply, it would take only 90 minutes for our Haitian friends to export their “FRESH” produce to our U.S. markets. Yum, I can almost taste them now.:o) his will be very lucrative for the Republic of Haiti. I say “will be” because when the ‘recovery’ is over, the WFP (World Food Programme), and the PIH (Partners In Health), have both expressed an interest in “Growing Goji in Haiti.” GojiTrees.com & GojiTrees Natural Health has been honored to arrange a donation of both, seed and growing expertise. We are humbled by this, and seek all the help we can get. Please visit http://www.GojiTrees.com and “STAND WITH HAITI!” “Help Haiti Now!” L ‘UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength).
January 23rd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Goji berries in Haiti, that sounds great! That would be a win-win for everyone!!
January 23rd, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Rich,
Your idea is a good one. While most areas in Haiti is mild in climate, there are might be some mountain regions that are suitable for growing goji. Yes goji can adapt to poor soil very well and can help to control soil erosion. If you have contacts in Haiti, could ask him to do a feasibility analysis? I would donate 10,000 NQ-1 goji seeds to support the initiative.
January 23rd, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Dear Jason,
Thank you for your recommendations, and your generous offer. In our humble opinion, you are truly the Goji Master. GojiTrees.com will follow your lead, and match your excellent donation. No doubt your expertese will prove invaluable to the Hatian people. We have passed along your request for a “feasibility analysys” to Maria Guimaraes, Partnership Manager,Private Partnerships Division United Nations World Food Programme Tel: +39 066513 2532 Fax: +39 06 6513 301. Ms. Guimaraes has informed GojiTrees.com that “WFP is currently undergoing emergency relief efforts in Haiti. Once they move into the recovery/programming efforts (when we are able to understand the extent of the issue at hand and the needs moving forward) we will be looking into sustainable and income generating projects.” Ms. Guimaraes is interested hearing more about Goji, and we look forward to hearing from her on this matter very soon.
January 23rd, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Dear Rich,
Thank you for your encouragement. You are the ture leader in goji community in the US. If some areas of Haiti are suitabe for growing goji, I really think it is a great idea. Unlike many other crops, growing goji needs very little tilling each year, which help conserve soils which are being depleted by improper cultivation on Haiti moutain slops. If WFO launch this project in the future, I, with many others, would follow your lead to offer our humble support. Please keep on posting follow-up messages.
January 24th, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Where to buy goji in its several forms – Los Angeles Times http://www.gojitrees.com/LA%20times-goji1.pdf
January 24th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Dear Jason,
Thank you for your kind words, but with all due respect, I am just a student Goji farmer. You sir were born in a Goji field, and hold a PhD in Biosystems Engineering, and an MS and BS in Agricultural Meteorology. If anyone on the planet is qualified to help Haiti grow Goji, it would be you sir. Your expertese and contibutions to our cause are profoundly appreciated, and will be forever remembered. It is an honor to have you as our “Goji Friend.”
February 4th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Hi again Jason,
Please tell us if the term “Happy Berry,” is an historic term for Goji (China in origin), or is this something new, and unique to US marketing.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:06 am
Hi Rich,
Goji is not called ‘happy berry’ in China. It might be a new invention here to attract people’s attention.
Goji is called go-ji, go-chi (gou-qi in Chinese PinYin), or go-chi-zi.
Hope this helps.
Jason
February 4th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Thank you Jason,
I suspected as much. I have researched every name for Lycium barbarum L., and have posted them all at GojiTrees.com. I have found nothing in ‘antiquity’ about “Happy Berry.” How would one say “happy berry” in Mandrian? I will say this..Goji has made me, and many others, very happy.:o) I do believe Goji strengthens both, Yin and Yang, fortifying (defending)the entire Qi, both mind, and body.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Over the past year (2009), more than 4 Billion US Dollars were donated to the UN World Food Programame. Why Are More Than 16,000 Children A Day Still Starving To Death? 1 person is dying every second as a result, either directly or indirectly, of hunger – 4000 every hour – 100,000 each day? When will this nightmare end? We have made our donations. Where is the food? This is unconscionable! How can we sleep? We can, and must, stop this genocide! We must start by dropping food, and seed, on the planet, instead of bombs.
February 11th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Changes are coming Rich, in the near future. Hopefully the UN will be replaced by an organization that is much more effective. Right now there seems to be total chaos but a new earth is in the works. It is an exciting time and a time for real hope. Just hang in there.
February 11th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
how about get rid of the UN and all the international bankers that make up the UN….and not replace it with anything. We do not need a New World Order!
February 11th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
We might get some inspiration from a ancient Chinese Sage (600BC) in his Tao Te Jing:
1. Let the country be small and people few
2. Bring it about that there are weapons for “tens” and “hundreds,” yet let no one use them;
3. Have the people regard death gravely and put migrating far from their minds.
4. Though they might have boats and carriages, no one will ride them;
5. Though they might have armor and spears, no one will display them.
6. Have the people return to knotting cords and using them.
7. They will relish their food,
8. Regard their clothing as beautiful,
9. Delight in their customs,
10. And feel safe and secure in their homes.
11. Neighboring states might overlook one another,
12. And the sounds of chickens and dogs might be overheard,
13. Yet the people will arrive at old age and death with no comings and goings between them.
February 11th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Dear Goji Friends,
I am convinced we must keep it simple. I am equally convinced we will get past all this hard stuff. I am not convinced that we should be segragated in any way. In my humble opinion, I believe the world is to small for that. Let us all bring our piece of the puzzle. It is only then we will see the whole picture clearly.
February 11th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Simple is good. We will create what is most important to us. Your ancient Chinese Sage is inspiring Jason.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Hello Terri
Welcome to “Veggie Gardening Tips.” Jason may be able to help you with Goji trees. You can also find a verity of great Goji seed at Http://www.GojiTrees.com/ Good luck growing Goji in Georgia.
February 24th, 2010 at 10:54 am
Dear Sir/Madam,
Through you website we learn that you specialize in goji plant also, as grower from China, we have our own goji plant garden in mountain, with no pollution and will have goji berry on the first year you grow it.
Accompany with spring coming, we have many goji plant under sell, if any interest feel free to ask us please.
Once you buy our goji plant, will have long term growing guidance free of charge all year arround.
Kindly check news above, any other questions about goji berry or its products related, feel free to ask us please, may we could do business together one day, we awaiting for your earlist ideas.
Best Regards
Yours
Linna
YOUCHAIN GROUP
http://WWW.GOJIBERRY.CN
008613691494646
February 28th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
I just scattered a bunch of my finest dry Goji berries all over my yard. Our Birds love them. Now my little Bird friends are going to drop their little Goji Bombs all over my mountain, and propagate on everything. If you’re not careful, we’ll propagate on you
) BTW.. Anyone need a Job? See GojiTrees.com
February 28th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
That is funny Rich, and after reading that I’m not sure I want to see what kind of work you have in store over at GojiTrees.com!
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:00 am
I’ve got a new batch of seedlings, now 1-2 feet tall. Most of my gogi plants around the yard are going fine…but with these seedlings I have a strip along the fence line about 20 metres (or yards) long. Soil would be just as bad as the other goji’s are loving – but sunlight may be an issue due to the orientation. In summer they’d get get 6-7 hours of intense sunlight a day…but in winter probably closer to 2 hours, less if it’s cloudy….Would that kill them? Rain is also heavy here during winter – but I can take steps to make them comfortable (ie plastic sheeting around the bases….but I can’t do anything about the sunlight. Any insight from the experts appreciated!
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:52 am
If your plants are dormant in winter, sun light should not be an issue. However heavy rainfall might become your concern if the soil is not well-drained, especially when the spring comes. Are you in the South states or Northwestern coastline?
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:19 am
Dear Kenny,
It is kind of funny, now that you mention it. “Goji Bombs.”:o) Look, my mission in life is to “re-seed” the Planet with Goji. What better way could there be, than to feed my best Goji berries to the birds??
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:22 am
Hi Chales,
Sounds like you have the same problem I do. We got soaked. If my Goji comes out of dormancy, I plan to move them to a “raised bed.” Best Wishes & Warmest Regards GojiTrees.com
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:31 am
Kenny,
BTW…It’s a good job, working for good people, just like you. We market the most delicious, nutritious, and antioxidant-rich food on Earth. For half the price.:o)
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:37 am
We (Rich Nature) provide the “raw materials” for almost every real “Goji juice blend” on the Ameican market.:o) What they do with our “pure raw Goji” after that, is a crime.:o(
March 7th, 2010 at 12:15 am
Thanks Jason. We’re in the southwest corner of Australia. The particular area here is very sandy….usually drains fast…water goes straight thru. Not an issue with this location. But we do get rain for days on end in the winter….can get 4-5 days in succession than a couple days to dry out – then another bout of rain. Don’t have much choice – have to plant these guys somewhere….if they survive I’ll be happy…It would double my ‘future’ goji production.