Growing Goji Berries In Containers
Said to be among the most powerful of all superfoods, the little red goji berries are said to increase life expectancy, improve the immune system, treat and prevent cardiovascular disease, improve good digestion, improve eye health, stimulate brain activity, and may even be effective against some cancers.
Although the jury has yet to decide and opinions are conflicting regarding the healing properties of goji berries, there is no question that the tangy and flavorful fruit is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is definitely loaded with flavor.
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Can Goji Berries Grow In Containers?
If you like the idea of growing this tasty little berry but don't have space in the garden, growing goji berries in containers is a viable alternative. In fact, potted goji berries are surprisingly easy to grow and maintain.
While goji berries are suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-10, growing goji berries in containers allow you to bring the plant indoors when temperatures drop in the fall.
How to Grow
When it comes to selecting a container to grow goji berries, bigger is definitely better.
The width is not that critical and a container with a diameter of at least 18 inches (45 cm) is sufficient.
However, the plant will stop growing when the roots reach the bottom of the container, so a deep container is a good option if you want a good-sized plant.
Even with a large container, your goji plant is likely to be smaller than buried plants. Make sure the container has at least one good drainage hole, as plants can rot in poorly drained soil. Fill the container with a mix of about two-thirds high-quality potting soil and one-third sand.
It is also important to note that this is a good time to add a generous amount of compost or very rotten compost, which will provide all the necessary nutrients to support the plant.
In most climates, goji berries need full sunlight. However, if you live in a climate where summer temperatures reach 37 ° C, partial shade is beneficial, especially in the afternoon.
Essential Care Tips
Keep the potting mix moist until the plant has established itself and shows healthy new growth, usually within the first two to three weeks. After that, water regularly.
Although goji berries are quite drought-tolerant, remember that potted plants dry out quickly. However, be careful not to overwater, as goji plants cannot tolerate waterlogged soil.
Feel the soil with your fingers and water deeply if the soil surface feels dry, then let the pot drain completely. Water the goji berries at ground level and keep the foliage as dry as possible.
Cover the surface of the soil with 5 to 10 cm of mulch, such as dry leaves or bark chips. This will help prevent the soil from becoming too dry.
Goji berry plants do not require fertilizer if manure or compost is added at planting time. Also, update the potting mix by working some organic material into the soil at least once a year.
Place the goji berries in a place where the plant receives at least eight hours of sunlight. If this is not possible, you may need to supplement the available light with a full spectrum or grow light.
Stretch the plant if it begins to spread. Prune lightly to encourage branching and maintain a clean appearance. Otherwise, goji berries generally don't require a lot of pruning.
Harden goji berry plants gradually before putting them back outdoors in the spring.
We hope you enjoy this video about growing Goji Berries:
Source:MIgardener
Last update on 2025-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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