Matt's 9b field note
“Two ~3 ft bushes along the fence — red goji fruiting year-round. Cultivars unspecified.”
Background
Lycium barbarum, the common goji or wolfberry, native to Asia and cultivated in China for centuries (gou qi zi). A sprawling deciduous member of the nightshade family and the 'superfood' berry of commerce. Matt's plants are unspecified cultivars; most nursery stock is seedling or generic.
Distinguishing traits
Arching, sometimes thorny canes 6-10 ft forming a fountain shape; small lilac-purple tubular flowers in spring; oblong bright red-orange berries from summer through fall; sweet-tart with earthy notes. Self-fertile; suckers freely.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- None required.
- Cold hardiness
- USDA zones 5-9 (some sources 3-10); hardy to about -18°F.
- Heat tolerance
- Extremely heat and drought tolerant; wild relatives grow in Arizona, Texas, and Mexico deserts.
- Water
- Regular watering the first season; very drought tolerant once established.
- Soil
- Highly adaptable, including alkaline desert soils (pH 6.5-8.0); must drain well, no waterlogging.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun for maximum fruit.