Growing Goji Berries In Kentucky Dennis Morgeson Agent for Horticulture Washington County
Goji
• The fruit of Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense • Two very closely related plants with the fruit being called Goji • Native to South Eastern Europe and Asia (particularly China) where it has been eaten for centuries • Goji is also known as wolfberry • In the family Solancea which includes tomato, eggplant, nightshade, chili pepper, and tobacco
Goji
• Deciduous woody perennial • Lycium chinense is grown in Southern China and tends to be shorter while Lycium barbarum grows in the north and is taller • You may buy either as Goji Berry
Goji-Superfood?
• Very nutritious and high in antioxidant vitamins such as A which protects your body from damage of free radicals and keeps mucous membranes healthy which helps cells reproduce • More beta carotene than carrots • High in Vitamin C ( more than oranges) which helps slow down the aging process and reduces the risks for cancer and heart disease. It also helps in the formation of collagen which keeps skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels healthy • Iron rich (more than spinach) which helps blood carry oxygen throughout your body • A quarter cup of goji berries even has 4 grams of protein which makes them 13% protein
Goji-Superfood?
• Preliminary studies suggest that goji berry juice helps in mental well-being and calmness, athletic performance, happiness, quality of sleep, and feelings of good health. • Scientists are studying the potential for Goji berries to reduce retina damage from type-2 diabetes • The Chinese believe Goji berries reinforce the liver and invigorate the kidneys and replenish vital essence…or Jing • All berries are good for you though
Growing Gojis • Hardy in USDA zone 5 and heat tolerant to zone 9 • Prefers full sun but will tolerate a little shade but any shade will reduce fruiting • Grows 5-7 feet tall in a sprawling manner
Growing Gojis
• Water plants well after planting and until established, generally one inch of water per week • After establishment they are relatively drought tolerant • Goji berries are not picky on soil type, any well drained soil is fine • Plant 2 feet apart in rows 6 feet apart
Staking
• Goji berries naturally grow in a sprawling manner and like to creep along the ground • To make harvesting easier, save space, and encourage flowering it is best to stake the plants • Choose the strongest 3-5 canes and attach them to a tall stake 6-8 feet tall • You may also grow them on a wire system similar to blackberries? • In Europe they plant as a hedge
Pests
• So far there have been very few insect pests and disease issues in the US, however as the plantings increase there may be future problems • Your biggest pests will be birds, deer, and raccoons especially once the plants start producing fruit
Flowering
• Goji may flower the first season however they will surely flower the second • Flowers on new growth • Flowers in spring and early summer and fruit begin ripening in early summer and continue for several weeks • The flowers are attractive and ornamental as well
Fertilizing
• Fertilizing isn’t generally required for survival but will increase fruit production • Apply fertilizers in late winter and early spring when tree fruits and brambles are fertilized • Get a soil test! • If no test apply 10-10-10 at the rate of 3 pounds per 100 square feet
Pruning?
• No pruning required but you may want to prune to keep the plant in check • Horizontal branches are often tip pruned to force branching and the production of vigorous new growth • Decide on what you want the plants to look like, a dense hedge or an open airy shrub • Long and lanky shoots can be pruned back hard, even by 75% • Prune in late Winter or Early Spring • Remove root suckers as they appear
Varieties
Crimson Star™-Goji Berry These sweet, super nutritious berries have been renowned for centuries in China for a nearly boundless list of health benefits. Enjoyable fresh or dried like raisins, the fruit is high in anti-oxidants, amino acids and contains more beta-carotene than carrots. The plants have a dense, spiny, vining habit, reach 8-10 feet at maturity, and prefer well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Goji berries are self-fertile and bloom in early summer with lavender, trumpet-shaped flowers followed by glossy, red berries. Naturally disease and pest resistant.
Varieties Big Lifeberry™
Harvesting and Uses
• Goji berries ripen in early summer and continue for several weeks • They are best hand picked when they are brilliant red and taste sweet, they should come off the plant easily • They have a slightly sweet slightly sour flavor • Goji berries can be frozen, dried, made into jams, jellies, chutneys etc. Basically used in whatever way any other berry can be used in.
Ways To Use Goji Berries http://www.downtoearth.org/health/vitamins-supplements/ways-to-use-goji-berries
• Raw: First and foremost, eat them raw! A small handful a day will do. • Juice: Goji berries are also available in juice form. Down to Earth carries 100% Goji Juice without any added sugar, or color. • Tea: Goji berries can be used to brew in a tea. You can add a handful of goji berries to a big glass of hot or cold water (or herb tea) and let sit and hydrate for 5 to 10 minutes. They become plump and juicy. You can drink the tea and eat the hydrated berries which are loaded with antioxidants. • Smoothies: Soak a handful of goji berries in water for 10 minutes. Once they are plump and juicy, add them to your favorite smoothie. It won’t make much of a change to the taste or consistency of your smoothie.
Ways To Use Goji Berries
• Trail Mix: You can also add goji berries to your favorite trail mix. Or, make your own by mixing your favorite nuts and dried fruit with some goji berries. Kids like it when you add some chocolate or peanut butter chips to the goji trail mix. • Cereal: Just like raisins, add some goji berries to your hot or cold cereals in the morning. • Muffins and Scones: Add goji berries to muffins or scones just as you would raisins. • Goji Energy Bars: Blend a handful of goji berries together with cup of walnuts, ½ cup almonds, and 5-6 dates in a food processor. Roll the mix into balls or spread in a deep pan to make bars. • Add to Soups: This has been a common use of goji berries in Chinese cuisine for thousands of years.
Recipes
• http://gojiberry.com/recipes
Questions?