If you are in Soil Zone 3 or better it is possible to grow Goji Berries in Canada.
Embarking on the journey to grow Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) offers not just the promise of healthful fruits but a venture into sustainable gardening. Though initially a challenge, Goji berry plants become prolific producers by their third year, rewarding patience with abundant yields.
Belonging to the Solanaceae family, Goji plants are moderately difficult to grow, thriving under full sun and tolerating conditions from Zone 3 onwards. Despite their resilience against cold and heat, these shrubs demand careful attention during their initial growth stages.
Starting Goji berries indoors approximately 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost prepares them for a robust life outdoors. Plant 2 to 3 seeds 5mm deep in each pot using a sterilized seed starting mix, devoid of any fertilizer, to encourage genuine growth.
Moisture is crucial until germination, which is then followed by exposure to bright, artificial light to foster strong seedlings.
Transplantation follows once the third true leaf appears, moving each seedling into individual pots. The process of gentle hardening off is critical to prevent shock upon moving outdoors. Mature Goji plants, ranging from 1-3m in height, are spaced 60cm apart, with rows 2m apart to optimize growth and berry production.
A unique aspect of Goji cultivation is its preference for infertile, slightly alkaline soil, with a pH range of 6.8 to 8.1. This characteristic, coupled with its aversion to fertilizers and manure, underscores the need for simple top soil with perlite for those opting for container planting.
Moreover, winter preparations involve mulching or relocating potted plants to a frost-free environment to ensure the plant's survival and productivity.
With each plant potentially yielding up to 100 lbs of berries annually, the effort invested in cultivating Goji berries reaps significant nutritional benefits.