How to Grow Goji Berry (Wolfberry)
Lycium barbarum
Goji berry plants are hardy perennial shrubs prized for their vibrant red fruit and exceptional disease resistance. Gardeners grow them to enjoy a nutritious harvest that thrives in full sun across a wide range of zones, from cool springs to mild autumns.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Goji Berry (Wolfberry): indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Goji Berry (Wolfberry) is not usually started indoors.
Direct sow or plant established shrubs outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed to prevent shock.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare your soil with good drainage since root rot is the primary risk; aim for a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. As an established shrub, you typically plant bare-root or container-grown plants after the last frost rather than sowing seeds early. If starting from seed indoors, allow 14 to 21 days for germination before hardening off.
Space your shrubs 4 to 6 feet apart to ensure proper air circulation and fruit production. These plants do not require trellising but benefit from moderate watering once established, tolerating dry spells well. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds while feeding only as needed for vigorous growth.
Aphids and spider mites are rare threats, so focus on preventing root rot by avoiding waterlogged soil. Harvest begins roughly 120 to 150 days after planting when berries turn bright red; pick them gently by hand or with pruners during late summer for the best flavor.
When to Plant Goji Berry (Wolfberry)
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
Companion Plants for Goji Berry (Wolfberry)
✓ Good companions
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, improves soil minerals
Repels aphids and improves soil health with sulfur compounds
Deep roots bring nutrients to surface, excellent mulch and compost material
Attracts beneficial insects and repels pests like moths and aphids
Deters nematodes and aphids while attracting pollinators
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
Repels various pests and attracts beneficial insects
Attracts beneficial insects and improves soil health
✗ Keep away from
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including goji berries
Inhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathy
Create acidic soil conditions that goji berries cannot tolerate
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
