Also called “Wolfberry,” the Goji Berry Bush produces berries with the most antioxidants of any plant. 

Lycium Barbarum is hardy to USDA zone 3 and loves well-drained soil with plenty of compost.  Don’t use too much peat moss as this bush likes alkaline soil.  Plant it in full sun and water well during the first year to get it established.

Unpruned, they can grow to 12’ with a width of 4’ with a drooping habit similar to Forsythia.  And also like Forsythia, they will start suckers anywhere the branches touch the ground.

Once established, they are easy to grow and can provide nutritious berries for you and your local wildlife.  Any creature that eats berries will love these and deer love the leaves.  Even finches will pluck new leaves from the bushes so if you have a lot of wildlife in your area, protection is a must.

The berries are delicate and bruise easily so it’s best to shake the branches so ripe berries drop into a container.  They are very tart like cranberries and will last longest if they are dried.

Young plants are often compared to tomatoes.  They look like tomatoes, they need similar fertilization and watering and they also get blossom end rot from uneven watering and soil that is too acidic.

Pruning is important, but remember that berries appear on the new growth.  Pruning also keeps this “wild child” in check.

Stay healthy!