Once established goji berry plants are easy to grow and maintain. They can grow in almost any soil type, light-sandy, medium-loamy, heavy-clay or any combination of the three. Even soils of poor soil structure and nutrient content will grow goji plants, but soils of better quality will allow for better flowering and fruiting characteristics.

A well drained soil is a must as goji berry plants will not grow well in wet or soggy conditions. Goji plants have an aggressive root system and are quite drought tolerant after they are established.

The goji plant prefers full sunlight for maximum fruit production, but will grow adequately in partially shaded areas. 

Goji berry plants can survive winter temperatures as low as -26 celcius (-15 F) and summer temperatures as high as 38 celcius (100 F). The goji berry can survive in zones 3-7, out of this range it is too cold or hot. The goji plant can be grown indoors if outdoor conditions are not favorable, but hand pollination will be required to pollinate the flowers.

The goji berry grows into a large shrub reaching heights of 7-10 feet with vines that can reach 10 feet. Pruning of the main stem and branches will keep the plant shorter, thicker and help with increased flowering and fruit production. In early summer the plant grows numerous small trumpet shaped flowers which are pollinated by bees. In later summer these flowers develop into bright red berries. The plant continues to flower and fruit until the first heavy frost. The goji plant begins flowering in the second year with maximum fruit production in the 4th or 5th year.

Goji Seedlings

When your goji seedlings are about 1-2 inches tall, the plants can be carefully moved to larger 4 inch pots. Onceyour goji seedlings are about 1 ft+ tall, they can be planted outdoors directly in the ground. If you plan to move your goji plants you may want to plant them in 1-3 gallon containers.

Goji seedlings are very sensitive to direct sunlight when they are young and need to be gradually acclimated to direct sunlight. This is why it is best to start your seedlings indoors. If your seedlings are exposed to direct sun to quickly they will experience ultraviolet burn and die. This means you must acclimate your plant to the sun gradually by exposing it to direct sun for only a couple hours a day at first. Each day you can allow the plant to receive about an hour more direct sun. Carry out this hardening process for 7-10 days before placing in full sun.

Goji Plants

Healthy Goji berry plants are dormat starting in November through the second week of May, after this time live plants will begin growing.

Goji plants range in height from 7" to 12"