What soil does Goji berry grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous, clay.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Goji berry be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Goji berry flower?

Flowering: May–September, purple.

How much water does Goji berry need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Goji berry cost?

It sells for roughly €4.90 to €16 in local shops, depending on size.

Goji berry

Lycium barbarum

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) is a fruit plant. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €4.90.

Illustration of Goji berry — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A thorny deciduous shrub with long, arching canes whose orange-red berries you know as goji: a single bush crops on its own without a pollination partner, and the berries ripen continuously from late summer to the first frosts. It is undemanding and copes with drought and with limy, poor soil, but it fruits best in full sun, tied to a support and cut back every year. It suckers strongly and the arching canes root where they touch the ground, so plant it behind a root barrier or in a large tub, dig out suckers regularly and do not let hanging shoots reach the soil.

Watch out for

In Central Europe it has long been naturalised and forms impenetrable thorny thickets by root suckers and bird-sown seed; it is on the official invasive list of a neighbouring country, so do not plant it near semi-natural land. By late summer the foliage is often covered in powdery mildew, the goji gall mite causes small bead-like galls on the leaves, and aphids also colonise it. Birds take the berries, and over-rich soil and uneven watering reduce the crop.

Considered invasive in a neighbouring country

It isn't listed here, but don't plant it near natural habitats, woodland or water, and don't leave the clippings outside the garden.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–September, purple

Group	Fruit
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	1–3 m × 1.5–4 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–September, purple
Harvest	August–October
Self-fertile	yes
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	150 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €4.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.90 – €16

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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