Goji Berry (Wolfberry)
Lycium barbarum
An ancient superfruit gaining popularity among health-conscious gardeners for its exceptional nutritional value and antioxidant content. This hardy shrub produces bright red berries with a sweet-tart flavor reminiscent of cranberries. Once established, goji berries are extremely drought-tolerant and can produce for decades.
Harvest
120-150d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
3–10
USDA hardiness
Difficulty
Easy
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Goji Berry (Wolfberry) in USDA Zone 7
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Goji Berry (Wolfberry) · Zones 3–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | June – August | — | September – September |
| Zone 4 | — | June – July | — | September – September |
| Zone 5 | — | May – July | — | August – October |
| Zone 6 | — | May – July | — | August – October |
| Zone 7 | — | May – June | — | July – October |
| Zone 8 | — | April – June | — | July – November |
| Zone 9 | — | March – May | — | June – December |
| Zone 10 | — | March – April | — | May – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Drainage: Good Drainage. Regions: Coastal, Piedmont.
Harvesting
A berry, red to purple or yellow
Color: Gold/Yellow, Purple/Lavender, Red/Burgundy. Type: Berry. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Edible
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: EDIBLE PARTS: Berries edible raw, cooked, or dried
Storage & Preservation
Fresh goji berries are highly perishable and should be used within 2-3 days when stored in the refrigerator at 32-35°F. For longer storage, spread berries in a single layer on dehydrator trays and dry at 135°F for 10-16 hours until they're leathery but still pliable – this is how most commercial goji berries are preserved. Properly dried berries will keep for up to a year in airtight containers.
Freezing is another excellent option: wash and dry berries thoroughly, then freeze on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags. Frozen berries work perfectly in smoothies and maintain their nutritional value for up to 18 months. You can also make goji berry juice by blending fresh berries with a small amount of water, then straining and freezing the juice in ice cube trays for convenient portions.
History & Origin
Origin: Temporate and subtropical regions of the world
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought
- +Wildlife value: Birds eat the fruits.
- +Edible: EDIBLE PARTS: Berries edible raw, cooked, or dried
Considerations
- -Toxic (Leaves): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Attracts beneficial insects and repels pests like moths and aphids
Marigold
Deters nematodes and aphids while attracting pollinators
Chives
Repels aphids and improves soil health with sulfur compounds
Comfrey
Deep roots bring nutrients to surface, excellent mulch and compost material
Rosemary
Repels various pests and attracts beneficial insects
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles
Yarrow
Attracts beneficial insects and improves soil health
Borage
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, improves soil minerals
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including goji berries
Fennel
Inhibits growth of most garden plants through allelopathy
Pine Trees
Create acidic soil conditions that goji berries cannot tolerate
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #167762)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites (rarely problematic)
Diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soil