Goji Berries or Lycium barbarum (also called wolf-berry plants and matrimony vine) are a deciduous perennial plant grown mainly for its berries.
Goji berries are used as a health food, in cooking and also to make wine and as a flavouring for beer. Goji berries have been used in Tibet and China as a medicinal herb for many years.
Reputed to be a rich source of Vitamin C. Goji Berries are also claimed to be an antioxidant. The red fruit of the Goji Berry plant is said to be one of the richest source of carotenoids available. Originating in the Himalayas Goji means “happy”.
The fruit is eaten raw, dried or cooked and they are a little taste to taste when eaten fresh. As the dry they become a little sweeter.
Care
Used in Tibet and China as a medicinal herb Goji berries are fairly easy to grow once established, full sun to part shade these plants can reach 2-3m.
Goji Berry Plants like a humus rich well drained soil they do not like wet soil.
Best in USDA Zones 5 – 9 you can grow them outside of these zones with protection from colder winters in cooler zones and a little shade in warmer areas.
These are a woody perennial, they are often grown on a trellis where they can be trained to grow along the trellis.
Goji berry plants are fairly easy to grow once established, full sun to part shade remember these plants can reach 3-4m ( 9 – 12 ft) with a spread of around 1m (3ft). A well drained humus rich soil is best.
Goji Berry plants are available for sale from the following specialist nurseries.
PHOENIX TEARS NURSERY – 435 753 3656 1847 South 2400 West Logan, Utah 84321
