Goji berries, also known as a superfood powerhouse packed with nutrients, have become a popular addition to gardens across the UK. Originating from China and Tibet, these nutrient-rich berries (from the plant Lycium barbarum) are surprisingly easy to grow in your own backyard. With a little guidance, you can enjoy the pleasure of cultivating this vibrant, fruiting shrub.
What Are Lycium Barbarum Goji?
Goji berries, commonly referred to as the “Duke of Argyll’s tea-tree,” are deciduous, fruiting shrubs known for their impressive resilience and nutritional benefits. Here’s a quick overview:
- Botanical name: Lycium barbarum
- Common name: Goji berries or Duke of Argyll’s tea-tree
- Group: Deciduous, fruiting shrub
- Flowering time: Summer
- Planting time: Late summer to autumn
- Height and spread: Up to 3m (10ft) high and 4m (13ft) wide
- Aspect: Thrives in full sun
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Difficulty: Moderate to grow
Their small, bright red fruits are both a feast for the eyes and a nutritional goldmine, making them an appealing addition to any garden.
Why Grow Goji Berries?
Not only are goji berries delicious, but they’re also celebrated as a nutritional superfood. Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and amino acids, these berries promote wellness by boosting the immune system, enhancing energy and supporting skin health. Their tart-sweet taste makes them ideal for smoothies, salads or simply enjoyed fresh.
Beyond their nutrient profile, there’s something incredibly rewarding about growing your own goji berries. With each harvest, you’re cutting down on food miles, promoting sustainability and enjoying the freshest produce possible.
How to Grow Goji Berries in the UK
Goji berries thrive in the UK climate if given the right care. Here’s how you can set your plants up for success:
Choosing the Right Spot
Goji berry plants prefer warm, sunny locations. They need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, so pick a site with good exposure. While they’re hardy against frost, planting them in a sheltered spot can protect them from strong winds and encourage better fruiting.
Planting Goji Berries
- Timing: The ideal time to plant goji berries is from late summer to autumn.
- Preparation: Prepare the soil by removing weeds and digging in organic material like compost.
- Spacing: If planting multiple shrubs, space them at least 1.5m apart.
For plants grown in containers, use a pot with good drainage and a high-quality compost mix. Repot every two to three years to keep the plant healthy as it matures.
Ongoing Care
Once established, goji berry plants demand minimal maintenance. They’re drought-tolerant but benefit from weekly watering during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as their roots dislike sitting in wet soil.
Feed them with a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage growth and fruiting.
Pruning and Supporting Your Goji Berry Plants
Proper pruning and training are essential for maximising both yield and visual appeal.
Supporting the Plant
Goji berry plants have lax, sprawling stems, making them ideal candidates for training against a wall or fence. Attach wires horizontally and tie stems to them with soft garden ties, creating an orderly look and supporting healthy fruit production.
Tips for Pruning
Pruning is important to remove unproductive growth and improve air circulation. Follow these simple pruning tips:
- Annual Pruning: Conduct light pruning in early spring by removing dead or misplaced shoots. Cut back overlong stems to a healthy branch.
- Encourage Growth: Flowers and fruit form on stems from the previous year, so ensure these are well-maintained in the pruning process.
- Renovation Pruning: To rejuvenate older plants, cut them back to a low framework of branches or even close to the base. While this reduces fruiting initially, it promotes vigorous regrowth for the future.
- Container Plants: For plants in pots, restrict growth by cutting new shoots back by up to half during summer. Keep in mind that this may reduce the overall yield.
Wear gloves while pruning as the plant can have spines along its stems.
Harvesting Your Goji Berries
Harvesting typically begins in late summer when the berries turn bright red. Simply pluck them by hand, or use a gentle shake to release ripe berries. Enjoy them fresh, or dry them to extend their shelf life.
Fresh goji berries taste slightly tangy and sweet, but drying them intensifies their flavour, making them perfect for teas, trail mixes or baking.
Pest and Disease Management
Goji berries are hardy plants but aren’t entirely immune to pests:
- Common pests: Aphids and leafhoppers may attack new growth. Use organic insecticidal soap to manage infestations.
- Common diseases: Powdery mildew and verticillium wilt may occasionally affect plants. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimise these issues.
Maintaining a clean growing area by removing fallen leaves and debris will keep pests and diseases in check.
Grow the Superfood of Tomorrow in Your Own Garden
Growing goji berries in the UK is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, nutrient-packed fruit straight from your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these shrubs are a worthy addition to your outdoor space. With the right care and attention, you’ll be enjoying vibrant and healthy crops year after year.
Happy planting!
Further Reading: How to Grow Strawberries: A Guide to Sweet Success, How to Grow Grapes in the UK, A Guide to Growing Figs in the UK