Goji berries: growing on your site

Many have heard of the magic berry that can prolong longevity and help you lose weight. Goji berry has recently become the most popular delicacy among Internet users, and not only. Unfortunately, the price of these berries is very high. But we have great news for you! For the magical goji berry, growing on your site and at home is now available to everyone! So let's find out what this berry is and what are the nuances in growing and caring for it.

Goji berries: a description of the shrub

Goji berries: outdoor cultivation

Imagine a shrub with oval, spreading leaves. Its height can reach three and a half meters or more. This is the habitat of our goji berry. There are two types of shrubs on which it "lives": common wolf and Chinese wolf. The latter species is difficult to take root in our latitudes, but the common Dereza perfectly tolerates all weather changes in Russia, since it has a powerful root system.
In addition to the fact that the plant has many useful properties, it will undoubtedly delight connoisseurs of beauty. The shrub begins to bloom in May and ends only in September! The bloom itself is represented by small flowers of different shades of purple and pink. An incredible sight!
Unfortunately, in order to harvest the first crop, it will be necessary to wait three years for the shrub to take root and adapt to its environment. But then you can enjoy the harvest of goji berries almost all summer! But remember that the most useful and valuable will be red berries harvested in August.

Healthy and robust goji berries: growing, growing conditions

Goji berry: growing and care

As we mentioned earlier, the goji berry shrub is well suited for the unstable climate of the middle latitudes of Russia, so it will quickly take root in almost any area, or even in an apartment. Some plant this shrub instead of a hedge. It can be grown both from seeds and from cuttings that have already sprouted.
To get the seeds, you need to soak dry goji berries. A stalk will work from any healthy and mature plant.
Plant the shrub in alkaline or neutral soil. The landing site should be in moderate shade, or even full sun. It is important when planting seeds or cuttings that the soil has a rocky structure. Goji berry shrub does not tolerate stagnant water and moisture.
We propose to consider each of their methods of obtaining the first shoots in more detail. First, let's look at the method of growing seeds. They can be obtained from dried berries well soaked in water. So, the seeds are easily removed. In order for them to germinate better and faster, place them in a seed growth stimulating solution for a while. After that, they need to be sown in a deep container, having previously filled it with a mixture of ordinary soil and peat. Their approximate ratio should be 1: 2. Please note that you do not need to plant seeds very deeply, only 2-3 millimeters.
In order for future berries to sprout faster, you need to cover the container with foil. This will create a greenhouse effect and increase humidity. Move the container with seeds to a warm and dark place. As soon as you see the first shoots, take the container out into the light, but make sure that young shoots are not exposed to hypothermia and drafts. They need to be watered with a spray bottle, and the film should be removed after a week.
Only after three or four leaves appear on the sprouts, can each plant be planted separately, in its own pot. It should have a great depth, since the roots of the future shrub develop strictly downward, and do not spread out in breadth. Planting outdoors is best done at the beginning of summer or, in extreme cases, at the end of spring, when the weather becomes stable and frosts stop.
The second way to get a large shrub is cuttings. Saplings should be planted in the spring, and in the fall - only in hot regions.
Before disembarking, you need to prepare the holes in advance. Fill the bottom with stones and sand so that the water does not linger for a long time in the root system and does not flood the plant. The land should be composed of a mixture of soil and humus. For the best effect, we recommend adding fertilizers. With direct planting, the seedlings are placed so that its root collar is approximately at ground level. Refill the hole and water the new plant. In order for the bush to grow evenly and not fall, tie it to a support. If you plan to plant several seedlings, place them at least two meters apart. Otherwise, their root system will intertwine over time and about "conflict" with each other.

Goji berries: growing from seeds

Goji berries: growing and care

Young bushes require special care and attention in the very first year of their growth. The plant tolerates drought well, so you need to water it no more than twice a week. Further, the number of waterings can be reduced further.
Only young bushes need feeding. Adult shrubs also thrive on poor soils.
Since the goji berry bush grows quickly, one might even say aggressively, it is important to monitor it and prune the branches in a timely manner. The plant perfectly tolerates this operation, lends itself well to molding. That will delight avid gardeners who monitor the appearance of their site.

What are the beneficial properties of berries?

Now we propose to discuss the beneficial properties of this magical berry, which is often called "a cure for a thousand diseases." It is really very rich in useful vitamins and a number of trace elements. Goji berry will help to cope with insomnia, it is recommended for use in diabetes and anemia.
This berry is widely known for its properties that help in losing weight. Even in China, since ancient times, it has been included in every diet. Goji berry does not contain carbohydrates or starch. The beneficial substances of the berry effectively help control appetite, as well as quickly burn excess weight and help develop muscle mass. In addition, goji berries help deliver calcium to the body, which in turn strengthens bones, nails and teeth.
In addition to all of the above, it has already been proven that goji berries help maintain beauty and youth, eating them activates the anti-aging effect. Since berries contain a lot of proteins, they also have a tonic property.
But do not forget that berries serve only as an auxiliary agent, but are in no way a “magic pill”. They will only help with a complex effect on the body with the help of sports and proper nutrition.

Growing goji berries: useful video