How to Grow Goji Berry Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

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.

How to Grow Goji Berry Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Wolfberry
  • Lycium
  • Chinese wolfberry
  • Goji
  • Matrimony vine

Common Knowledge

  • The goji berry bush is a deciduous shrub that is native to parts of China.
  • The goji berry bush grows to an average height of 3-4 feet.
  • The goji berry bush has dark green leaves and small, bright red berries.
  • The goji berry bush is known for its nutritional value, as the berries are a good source of vitamins and minerals.
  • The goji berry bush is also known for its medicinal properties, and the berries are often used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • The goji berry bush is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and climates.
  • The goji berry bush is relatively easy to grow and care for.
  • The goji berry bush generally does not require much pruning or fertilization.
  • The goji berry bush is relatively pest and disease resistant.
  • The goji berry bush can produce fruit for up to 50 years.

Planting Process

  1. For goji berry bush, first step is to choose a sunny spot in your yard that has well-drained soil.
  2. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or manure.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the goji berry bush’s root ball.
  4. Place the bush in the hole and backfill with soil.
  5. Tamp down the soil gently and water deeply.
  6. Mulch around the base of the bush with an organic material such as straw or wood chips.
  7. Goji berry bushes need very little pruning, but you can trim them back in late winter or early spring if needed.
  8. Fertilize the bush in early spring with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
  9. Water the bush regularly during the growing season, especially during periods of drought.
  10. Goji berry bushes are relatively pest and disease resistant, but watch for aphids and spider mites.

Considering the Soil

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.

About light

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.

Good Temperature

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.

Humidity Requirement

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.

The Fertilizer

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.

Plant Pruning

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.

About Propagating

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.

Growth Speed

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

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.

Basics of Growing

  • If you live in a frost-free area, plant your goji berry bush in early spring.
  • Choose a sunny spot to plant your bush.
  • Goji berry bushes need well-drained soil. Add compost or manure to the planting hole to improve drainage.
  • Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart.
  • Water your bush regularly, especially during dry periods.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize your goji berry bush in early spring and again in mid-summer with an organic fertilizer.
  • Prune your bush in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
  • Watch for pests and diseases. Goji berry bushes are generally resistant to most problems, but aphids and spider mites can be a problem.
  • Harvest goji berries when they

Related Plants

  • American boxwood
  • BGK
  • Cigar plant
  • Common boxwood
  • Common juniper
  • Common myrtle
  • Common yew
  • Dieffenbachia
  • Dwarf yew
  • false boxwood

Source:
SWEET LIFEBERRY® GOJI BERRY - LYCIUM BARBARUM 'SMNDSL' - trees.umn.edu
Goji Berries | Citizen Appetites - Wagner
The Mystery of Goji Berries - ipm.missouri.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category