Crimson Star Goji Berry
Lycium bararumThe rave of the health food industry, the Goji hails from the Tibetan area of the Himalayas. A vining shrub up to 3-6' tall. Fruits ripen throughout summer. Best to prune to a bush form. Hardy to -10 degrees F. Plant in full to partial sun with good soil drainage. Self fertile Zone 5-8
| Plant Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Pest Resistance | Excellent |
| Disease Resistance | Very Good |
| Drought Tolerance | Very Good |
| Heat Tolerance | Very Good |
| Humidity Tolerance | Very Good |
| Sun Tolerance | Very Good |
| Wet Soil Tolerance | Poor |
| Shade Tolerance | Poor |
| No Spray | Very Good |
| Salt Tolerance | Poor |
| Fun for Kids | Fair |
| Thorns | No |
| Plant Type | Vine |
| Soil Type | Well Drained |
| Edible Type | Fruit |
| Self Fertile | Yes |
| this information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, comments/opinions are always welcome | |
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Due to import restrictions we are unable to ship Crimson Star Goji Berry to CA,...
Goji Berry
(Lycium bararum)
It is also known as Chinese wolfberry, Goji berry, barbary matrimony vine, bocksdorn, Duke of Argyll's tea tree, or matrimony vine. Unrelated to the plant's geographic origin, the names Tibetan Goji and Himalayan Goji are in common use in the health food market for products from this plant.
This healthful Goji berry is new to America. It is high in antioxidants and 13% protein. They are higher by weight in vitamin c than orange. They have been used to lower cholesterol, blood pressure or treating kidney disease. Also, the Goji berry has been used as a general tonic and to help increase longevity. They can be eaten right off the bush or dried. Dried Goji are traditionally cooked before consumption. The dried berries are often added to rice congee, as well as used in Chinese tonic soups, in combination with chicken or pork, vegetables, and other herbs such as wild yam and licorice root. The berries are also boiled as an herbal tea, often along with chrysanthemum flowers and/or red jujubes. Various wines are also produced that are a blend of grape wine and Goji berry. At least one Chinese company also produces Goji berry beer, and New Belgium Brewery makes an ale with Goji berry used as flavoring. Since the early 21st century, an instant coffee product containing Goji berry extract has been produced in China. Young Goji shoots and leaves are also grown commercially as a leaf vegetable. In the West, dried Goji berries are also eaten hand-to-mouth as a snack, in the manner of raisins or other dried fruit. Their taste has an accent of tomato and is similar to that of dates, dried cranberries or raisins, though drier, more tart, less sweet and with an herbal scent. Dried Goji berries are also used frequently in raw food diets.
The Goji berry prefer full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is adaptable to most soil types with good drainage, average Ph of 7.0. In very hot climates, it may need some summer shade. It doesn't grow well in wet soil.
Once established, Goji berry grow quickly and may grow 4' or 5' in a year with ideal conditions. Water twice weekly until established and then once a week, normal rainfall should be adequate.
The Goji berry produces white and purple flowers in the summer and will bear red shiny fruit in late summer till frost. The berries are juicy and sweet. BE CAREFUL NOT TO TOUCH THE GREEN FRUIT AS IT MAY TURN BLACK.
Fertilize using a fast acting nitrogen with phosphorus in early spring to encourage good growth. They would also benefit from a mineral supplement. Very little nitrogen should be left in the soil during the summer to encourage fruiting. Plant 6' apart for a hedge and 10' apart for single plants.
There are two methods for pruning. Firstly, allow it to grow into a large bush and prune every year to encourage more fruit and flowers. It is a vine and can overgrow itself, shading itself so prune to keep growth from overlapping. The second method is to prune them into a small tree as is done commercially, allowing for easy picking. They can be grown on a trellis, where they are allowed to be more veining. Growing Goji berry in tropical areas without a dormant stage is still experimental.
Enjoy!