[Glen]

Does anyone grow Goji Berries at the moment? If so have you got any tips?

[Hazel Anne]

I have 3 plants on the way as a present for subscibing to a garden mag for 6 months.

Apparently they are very easy to grow outside with no special attention.

Iam new to growing my own so cant give more info than that.......sorry!

[mikem]

I got this from somewhere on the internet as I am growing them from seed.  They seem to be germinating OK at the moment, I've potted up a few and have lots more in the seed tray.  I think that I'll be giving away a lot early next year when they have become estabished.

Anyway guidance from the internet:-

Grow your own gojis!
Now you can grow gojis at home - as easy to grow as tomatoes! Goji plants do not require a rich soil - they flower and fruit better in a well-drained soil of moderate quality.

Growing Instructions:
1) Sow seeds as soon as possible - store in sealed packet in fridge until used.

2) Soil: use any medium soil; loam-based or peat-based compost, vermiculite, perlite, etc. Sow thinly in one-fourth to one-half inch deep in loose, well draining soil and sprinkle 5mm of fine/dry compost on top of seeds to cover, water gently with a light spray. Place on a warm window sill in shade or indirect sunlight and keep moist. An electric propagator will speed up the germination process if desired. The seeds will germinate between 5 and 10 days, depending on the temperature. Once sprouted, seedlings should be gradually acclimated to direct sunlight until well established.

3) Water seedlings regularly, keep soil well-drained and do not allow to become waterlogged. When leaves develop, carefully pot into 3 inch pots. Place in a sunny but sheltered position or in a greenhouse or conservatory. When the plant is 3 or 4 inches tall, pinch growing tip to encourage bushiness. Once established, they will be quite hardy and prolific growers, reaching maturity in 4-5 years, and standing 10'-12' high with vines reaching to 20' in length. Heavy pruning of the plant will keep it looking neat and will encourage flowering and fruiting.

Hints and Tips:
Be careful not to over-water - goji plants are very drought tolerant. They do not require a rich soil - they are best grown in soil of moderate quality. They like a sunny position and are hardy down to -15c. Keep well drained, mix sand or gravel if necessary to aid drainage.

Depending on the amount of sunlight, the plants may not produce any flowers or fruit in their first year. In the second year, they will flower first with small trumpet-shaped purple and white flowers in early summer, followed by plump, juicy, bright-red fruits. The plant will continue to flower and produce fruit right up until the first heavy frost. Heavy yields can be expected from Goji plants that are 4 to 5 years old. The sweet fresh gojis can be picked when red and eaten straight away. Gojis will oxidise and turn black if touched by hand, so if they are to be kept for a period of time or dried then they should be shaken off the plant and collected in a tea towel or cloth.

Benefits of gojis:
Goji Berries are said to:
Boost energy and general well being
Fortify and maintain a healthy immune system
Defend and fight against many cancers
Fight heart disease
Lower cholesterol
Maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Reduce blood glucose levels
Improve eyesight, blurred vision and hearing
Strengthen and supports healthy liver and kidney function
Maintain a healthy nervous system
Improve cellulite
Assist in weight loss
Boost sex drive / libido          

[wurzelrob70]

Wow thanks Mikem, like Hazel Anne I have 3 plants on the way and was wondering what to do with them.
 Looks like they can be very beneficial to health although may not need the sex drive/libido boost bit


Yeah ok, wife just walked in and can't stop laughing about the last bit :cry:

[mikem]

wurzelrob70 - Tell your wife that you were growing them for her to eat not for you!