Nursery / Shrub
Lycium barbarum

Goji Berry

A drought-tolerant, self-fertile shrub that produces for decades with minimal input, and one of the few fruiting plants that genuinely thrives on neglect once established.

Goji Berry

Goji berry is native to Asia but has naturalized well across a wide range of North American climates. It is exceptionally forgiving of poor soil, drought, and inconsistent care once its root system is established, usually within the first full growing season. The bright red-orange berries ripen over an extended window from mid-summer into fall, giving repeated small harvests rather than one heavy flush.

Unlike many fruiting shrubs, goji does not require a second plant for pollination. The arching canes benefit from a support or fence line to lean on, since a mature plant can reach 6-8 feet and sprawl if left unstaked. Prune hard in late winter to keep it productive and within bounds.

Common questions

Before you plant.

  • Do I need a second plant to get fruit?No. Goji berry is self-fertile - one bush will produce on its own, though planting more than one extends your harvest window.
  • How long until it fruits?Typically the second year after planting, with full production by year three as the root system matures.
  • Will it take over my yard?It can sprawl if left unpruned, which is why we recommend a fence or trellis and an annual hard prune in late winter. Properly maintained, it stays contained.
  • Is it deer resistant?Reasonably so, though no plant is fully deer-proof in a hungry season. It fares better than most fruiting shrubs.
  • How do I eat goji berries?Fresh off the plant, dried like raisins, or cooked into sauces and teas.
  • Does it spread?It can sucker a little over time. Annual pruning and a defined bed keep it in check.
  • Planting & Growing Information

    Ships as
    Rooted cutting, 1-gallon container
    Hardiness zone
    3-10
    Mature height
    4-8 ft, spreading
    Water needs
    Low once established, drought tolerant
    Sun / shade
    Full sun to partial shade
    Bloom season
    Small purple flowers, early summer
    Care
    Prune hard late winter, benefits from a fence or trellis
    Attributes
    Self-fertile, drought tolerant, long-lived, high in antioxidants
    Ships to
    Most US states. We do not currently ship live plants to California, Arizona, Hawaii, or Florida due to state agricultural restrictions. Local pickup is available in Great Falls, Virginia.
    Goji

    The fruiting shrub
    that thrives on neglect.

    Goji comes from the dry hills of Asia, and it brings that toughness with it. Once rooted, it handles drought, poor soil and heat that would stress most fruit plants.

    The small red berries ripen in waves from midsummer to frost, so one plant gives many small harvests. They are sweet-tart and slightly savory fresh, and keep well dried.

    Goji is self-fertile and long-lived, and a good fit for a sunny, dry corner.

    • Self-fertile stockOne plant fruits on its own; two extend the harvest.
    • Rooted cuttingsAn inexpensive start that establishes in one season.
    • Container plantsFor a quicker first harvest.
    • Current stockInventory varies by season and batch. Contact us to confirm what is available now, and in what size.

    What to know before you buy

    Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Rich, wet soil gives leaves at the expense of fruit.

    Expect the first real crop in the second year, and full production by year three.

    Goji is thorny and its long canes sprawl. Tie them to a fence or trellis.

    Prune hard in late winter, cutting back last year's growth to keep the plant productive and tidy.

    Sizes and formats

    What we ship.

    Plants ship in the dormant seasons, late fall and early spring, with local pickup in Great Falls. Availability changes by batch, so ask if you need a particular size.

    Goji Berry
    Goji Berry
    Lycium barbarum
    A tough, self-fertile fruiting shrub for dry, sunny sites. Berries from midsummer to frost.
    Food bearingShrub
    Available as: rooted cutting, 1-gallon container
    Wholesale and bulk

    Planting at scale.

    We supply landscapers, nurseries, farms and larger residential projects with goji berry in quantity. Stock is seasonal and limited, so get in touch ahead of your planting window and we will plan around your order.

    Ask about wholesale →

    Planning an orchard, guild or garden around this plant? An on-site consult in the DC area starts at $250, a written Remote Strategy at $1,500, or start small with a free guide.