Thompson & Morgan have added Goji Berry 'No.1 Lifeberry' to their catalogue this year and have very kindly sent me a 9cm Plant to trial.
A high-performing variety favoured by Chinese commercial growers, Goji Berry ‘No.1 Lifeberry’ bears heavy crops of large, shiny, orange-red fruits, 2-3cm in diameter, with a very sweet flavour.
The Goji Berry has been revered in China as a ‘Super Food’ for centuries. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, Goji berries can be eaten fresh, dried like raisins or used for jam.
As well as being edible, the Goji berry makes an attractive shrub for the border, with purple flowers in late spring/early summer followed by bright red berries that are reading for harvesting in August. Goji ‘No.1 Lifeberry’ can be grown in the open border or in a large container. Its arching branches can also be trained against a sunny wall or trellis, showing the attractive fruit to advantage and making it easy to harvest.
Flowers in June
Harvest in August
Height and spread: 2m (6.5ft).
How To Grow
Pot up plants and grow them on in frost free conditions until large enough to plant outside in their final positions. Prior to transplanting them, acclimatise goji berry plants to outdoor conditions over a period of 7 to 10 days. Plant goji berries in any well drained soil in full sun. When growing goji berries in patio containers use a soil based compost such as John Innes No.3.
Water goji berry plants regularly until they are fully established. Once established, they are drought tolerant and cope well in poor soils conditions. Goji plants benefit from some winter protection during their first two years; however with maturity they become increasingly hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C (5°F). Prune goji berries in winter or early spring by removing any damaged or crowded growth and pruning the stems to fit the available space.
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