Growing Goji Berry Plants in Containers: A Complete Guide

Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, are a superfood gaining popularity for their high antioxidant content and numerous health benefits. Though native to Asia, goji berries can be grown in many parts of the world, including North America and Europe. With their vibrant red color and sweet-tart taste, goji berries make a nutritious addition to smoothies, trail mixes, cereals and more.

While goji berries thrive in the ground when conditions are right they can also be grown successfully in containers. Container gardening offers several advantages over in-ground planting. Pots allow you to provide ideal growing conditions and protect plants from pests. Container-grown goji plants can be easily moved to take advantage of sunlight or protect from frost. With the right care potted goji berry plants can yield abundant fruit for many years.

Getting Started with Container Goji Berries

Goji berry plants grow quickly and vigorously when happy. Give them sufficient root room and care, and you’ll be rewarded with clusters of sweet, healthy berries. Follow these tips for getting started:

• Select a large container Goji berry plants need a minimum 10-gallon pot Bigger is better, as root restriction will limit plant and berry size.

• Choose a site with full sun Gojis thrive with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily Offer afternoon shade in excessively hot climates,

• Use a well-draining potting mix. Aim for roughly 2/3 potting soil blended with 1/3 sand or perlite for drainage.

• Fertilize at planting. Mix in compost or aged manure to provide nutrients. Gojis are light feeders but need some fertility to fruit well.

• Support growth. Install a trellis or sturdy plant cage to support vigorous growth. Gojis can reach 6 feet tall or more in pots.

• Water regularly. Check soil moisture frequently and water when the top few inches become dry. Don’t let pots completely dry out.

• Watch for pests. Common culprits include spider mites, aphids and leafhoppers. Inspect regularly and take action if found.

With the right setup and care, container gojis will establish quickly and start growing rapidly. Be prepared to do some pruning to keep plants tidy and productive.

Choosing the Best Goji Berry Varieties for Containers

Goji berries come in a range of varieties to choose from. When selecting plants for container culture, prioritize varieties known for their compact habit, abundant fruiting and disease resistance. Some top picks include:

• Big Lifeberry: A semi-dwarf variety reaching 3-4 feet tall. Bears large, sweet berries on a compact plant.

• Sweet Lifeberry: A heavily fruiting dwarf variety under 3 feet. Ideal for patio pots.

• Phoenix Tears: A compact bush with exceptional medicinal properties. Fruits heavily.

• Tibetan Goji: A vigourous grower with very large, tasty berries. Good for trellised pots.

• Crimson Star: A hybrid bred for container culture, only reaching 3-5 feet tall. Prolific fruiting.

For the easiest care, look for container-specific goji cultivars from reputable suppliers. Plants grown from seed take much longer to fruit. Buy young potted plants to enjoy berries sooner.

Caring for Container Goji Berry Plants

Refreshing,flavorful goji berries will keep you coming back for more when cared for properly. Follow these container care tips:

• Water when the top few inches of soil become dry. Goji plants need consistent moisture. Let pots drain fully after watering.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Gojis are light but regular feeders.

• Prune back overgrown branches in late winter. Remove crossing, damaged and excessive growth to improve air circulation and productivity.

• Rejuvenate old plants by cutting all branches back to 6 inches. New growth will be stronger and more fruitful.

• Bring containers indoors before first frost. Goji berries drop leaves and go dormant below 40°F.

• Repot in fresh soil every 2-3 years. Carefully loosen rootbound plants and move to a larger container.

• Scout for pests like spider mites. Take prompt action if populations are detected. Insecticidal soap, neem oil and horticultural oils can help control outbreaks.

• Protect ripening berries from birds with netting. Gojis are highly attractive to birds when the berries start turning red.

With attentive care and protection from extremes, container gojis will reward you with abundant fruit for 5 years or longer. Prune and replenish the soil regularly to sustain productivity.

Harvesting Goji Berries from Container Plants

Once established, goji berry plants set clusters of petite bell-shaped blooms, followed by lots of plump red berries if properly pollinated. Here’s how to get the biggest harvest from container gojis:

• Expect berries in year 2-3 from planting. Flowering and fruiting is unlikely the first year as plants focus their energy on growth.

• Assist pollination by gently shaking flowers daily. Goji flowers are self-fertile but benefit from help distributing pollen.

• Pick berries individually when fully red. Hold the cluster gently and twist each ripe berry off the stem. Avoid compressing or crushing ripe fruit.

• Harvest every 2-4 days once berries start ripening. Pick frequently to get fruit at optimal ripeness and prevent molding.

• Collect berries in the morning after dew dries. Berries will last longer stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

• Anticipate 1 to 2 pounds of berries per mature plant. Productivity varies based on container size, pruning, and care.

• Wear gloves when harvesting. Goji berry plants have small thorns than can irritate skin.

Enjoy goji berries fresh, freeze extras for later use, or dry them whole for storage. The nutrient-dense berries pack a powerful health punch.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Container Gojis

While goji berry plants are relatively pest and disease resistant, they can encounter issues when grown in containers. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Slow growth: This often indicates too small a pot, insufficient light, or underwatering. Transplant to a larger container, move to a sunnier site, and water regularly to spur growth.

• Few or no flowers and berries: Extreme heat, overfertilizing, overpruning and low pollination can limit flowering and fruit set. Provide some shade, reduce fertilizer, allow more branch growth, and assist pollination.

• Wilting, yellowing leaves: Overwatering or underwatering can cause foliar distress. Check soil moisture and only water when the top few inches become dry. Improve drainage if pots stay soggy after watering.

• Leaves dropping: This happens naturally each fall as the plant goes dormant. Bring containers indoors once night temperatures approach freezing.

• Berry mold: Excess moisture and density of foliage encourages rot. Improve air circulation through pruning and water judiciously. Pick berries as soon as they ripen.

• Pest damage: Common pests like spider mites, aphids and leafhoppers can be controlled with insecticidal soap, neem oil or horticultural oil sprays.

Catch problems early and take corrective care measures to maintain productivity. When in doubt, seek advice from local extension services.

Frequently Asked Questions about Growing Goji Berries in Containers

Here are answers to some common questions about cultivating goji berry plants in pots:

How big of a container do I need?

For a mature goji berry plant, use a minimum 10-gallon pot and larger if possible. Restricted roots will limit plant size and berry yields.

What soil mix should I use?

A well-draining blend of potting mix with added organic material like compost works well. Mix in 1/3 sand or perlite to improve drainage.

How much sun do goji berry plants need?

Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Afternoon shade is beneficial where summertime temps exceed 90°F.

Should I prune my potted goji plant?

Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead and crossing branches and open up the canopy. Don’t overprune, as this will reduce flowering and fruiting.

How do I overwinter my container goji plant?

Move pots to a sheltered spot outdoors or indoors before frost. Gojis drop leaves and enter dormancy below 40°F. Resume watering sparingly when growth resumes in spring.

Why are my plant’s leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves usually indicate overwatering or inadequate drainage. Check soil moisture before watering and amend the potting mix if it stays soggy.

How long do goji berry plants live?

With proper care, goji berry plants can remain productive for 5-8 years or longer in containers. Rejuvenate old plants by severely pruning all branches back to 6 inches to encourage new growth.

The Joy and Rewards of Growing Goji Berries in Containers

Don’t let lack of garden space stop you from enjoying fresh, homegrown goji berries. Given appropriate care, these plants adapt and fruit very well when grown in pots. The brilliant red berries bursting with flavor and nutrition will have you eagerly watching for the fruits to ripen. Growing your own superfood goji berries is deeply satisfying. With the right setup and practices, fresh gojis can be harvested right outside your door.