Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum)

Germination

Sow under glass in late winter-spring. Prior to sowing soak seeds overnight in water. Drain. Sow 5mm deep into moist, well-drained seed compost. Place somewhere warm 15-18°C is ideal. Germination should take 2 weeks approx. Transplant seedlings to individual pots and grow on in the greenhouse for 1-2 winters. Acclimatise and plant out the following spring.

Growing

Prefers any well-drained soil in full sun. Pinch out young tips to encourage bushy growth. Requires little attention once established. Harvest fruit as it turns from orange to red. Wash fruit. It can be used fresh, dried or juiced.

Cultivation

Deciduous. Propagate by seed via cuttings. Take hardwood cuttings in winter, softwood cuttings in early summer. If growing as a shrub this fall under pruning group 1, no routine pruning required, simply remove damaged or congested branches. If growing as a hedge use pruning group 11, pruning not required, but can be trimmed to preferred shape or size, cut back hard in spring or trim in early summer.