Growing Goji Berries: Give It a Try!

Have you ever thought about growing Goji berries in your garden or on your balcony? Many have tried, attracted by the beauty of the plant and its intensely colored fruits that are rich in benefits. But before you start with too much enthusiasm, there are some fundamental things to know.

The Goji plant (Lycium barbarum) is rustic, resists temperature changes well and, as a weed, grows practically everywhere. This makes it suitable even for less experienced gardeners. However, making it bear fruit is not so simple.

You need the right climate, and not only that

Goji loves light and needs at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight a day. But that's not enough. The real secret to obtaining berries is the temperature range: the difference between day and night temperatures, typical of some agricultural areas, such as the Sibari Plain. It is precisely in this Calabrian microclimate that Goji Favella berries develop an extraordinary nutritional profile.

Grow the plant in a pot? Possible, but know that it will hardly produce fruit if the ideal conditions are not respected. Furthermore, Goji needs well-drained soil, slightly acidic or neutral. Water stagnation should be avoided with aerated soil, better if enriched with silica sand or agriperlite.

Beware of Pollination

An aspect that is often overlooked is pollination. If the plant is isolated, it is not always able to produce berries, especially if it does not receive the visit of pollinating insects such as bees or butterflies. Those who grow in the city or on the balcony may find themselves with a thriving plant but without fruit.

Flowering occurs in spring, while the harvest period is from June to October. During the productive season, the plant should be watered regularly but without excess, allowing the soil to dry between one watering and the next.

An excellent practical guide on how to grow this plant can also be found on the Coltivazione Biologica website, with updated advice on exposure, pruning and seasonal care.

Why our berries are different

Many people approach the cultivation of Goji to have fresh berries always available. But if you are looking for a truly nutraceutical product, grown in the ideal climate and processed with sustainable techniques, you can rely on those who have been doing it for years. In Favella we grow Goji in the Sibari Plain with manual harvesting and without the use of pesticides. It is no coincidence that a study by the University of Perugia found that our berries contain more than double the zeaxanthin compared to the average.

If you really want to experience all the taste and benefits of Goji berries, we invite you to discover our Goji in fresh or dried version.

Curious to know where this very special plant comes from? Read also our in-depth article on the origin of Goji berries and discover how this fruit, born between Tibet and Mongolia, found its ideal habitat in Calabria.