Goji berry
Lycium barbarum
Also known asWolfberry · Chinese wolfberry · Lycium · Matrimony vine
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 3–10 (winter low around -40°C)
- Frost
- very hardy (survives deep cold)
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.6 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1.8 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
Aquaponics suitability
Not recommended
Fish waste alone doesn't supply enough of what this crop demands. Grows in hybrid systems with supplemental dosing, but expect active management.
Care notes
A hardy shrub for outdoor aquaponics integration in temperate to cold climates. Container growing (30 L) or direct planting near systems irrigated with aquaponic effluent. EC 1.5-2.5 mS/cm. pH 6.5-8.0 (tolerates alkaline conditions, unusual for fruit crops). Temperature: tolerates -20°C in winter dormancy, grows actively at 15–30°C. Full sun (DLI 18-25 mol/m2/day). Self-fertile; a single plant produces berries, though multiple plants improve yield. Fruiting begins in the second year from nursery stock. Each mature bush produces 1–3 kg of fresh berries annually. Harvest when berries are fully red and slightly soft. Fresh berries bruise easily (handle gently) and have a short shelf life (2-3 days refrigerated). For drying: dehydrate at 50–55°C until leathery. The dried product stores for 12+ months in sealed containers. Prune annually to maintain shape and airflow; the thorns make this an unpleasant task without gloves. The main pests are birds (net the bush when berries ripen) and spider mites in dry conditions. Goji is remarkably low-maintenance once established.