Goji berry bush is a fruit-bearing shrub that is native to China. The goji berry bush is a member of the Solanaceae, or nightshade, family. The nightshade family also includes potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. The goji berry bush is a deciduous shrub, meaning it loses its leaves in the fall. The goji berry bush can grow to be 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The goji berry bush has glossy green leaves and branches that are covered in small, white flowers. The goji berry bush produces red berries that are about the size of a raisin. The goji berry bush is used in traditional Chinese medicine. The goji berry bush is said to have many health benefits, including boosting the immune system, improving circulation, and helping to protect the liver.
About soil condition, Goji Berry bush grows best in well-drained soils with a pH of 6.0-6.5. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates. The plant is quite tolerant of drought once established.
So, like the other types of berries, the goji berry bush needs sunlight in order to produce fruit. The amount of sunlight required will depend on the variety of bush, but most need at least six hours per day. If the bush is not getting enough sunlight, the berries will be small and the yield will be low.
The temperature condition that is best for Goji berry bush is between 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in lower temperatures but will not produce fruit. In higher temperatures, the bush will produce fewer flowers and the berries will not be as sweet. Goji berry bushes prefer full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. The plant cannot grow in extremely dry or wet conditions. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will curl and the plant will not be able to produce fruit. If the humidity is too high, the plant will be more susceptible to diseases.
Mentioning fertilizer, this type of plant prefers soil that is high in organic matter. To achieve this, you can mix in some finished compost or manure before planting. If you're planting more than one bush, space them about 3 to 4 feet apart. It's also a good idea to put down a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and discourage weeds.
Pruning your Goji Berry Bush is important to maintaining its shape and preventing it from becoming overgrown. To prune, first remove any dead or diseased branches. Next, cut back any long or straggly branches to promote new growth. Finally, thin out the bush by removing any crowded or crossing branches.
Propagation is typically done through cuttings, which can be taken from the tips of young shoots in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Cuttings can be rooted in a soil-less mix or directly in the ground.
Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and there is plenty of rainfall. The bush will continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the fall and into the winter, as long as the temperature remains above freezing. In areas where the temperature dips below freezing, the bush will enter a state of dormancy until the weather warms up again.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can be treated with fungicides. Sometimes the plant may also experience aphid infestations. These can be controlled with insecticides.
Source:
SWEET LIFEBERRY® GOJI BERRY - LYCIUM BARBARUM 'SMNDSL' - trees.umn.edu
Goji Berries | Citizen Appetites - Wagner
The Mystery of Goji Berries - ipm.missouri.edu