SHANGHAI EXPRESS GOJI SEEDS

Lycium barbarum

Wolfberry. Shanghai Express is a worthwhile selection of one of the most nutritious fruits produced from seed. Hardier, more productive and less thorny than common selections. These shrubby plants grow quickly and produce a decent crop already in the second year. Amenable to growing in containers even in the far north. Listed as hardy to zone 5, but this seems generous in our experience. Best with good drainage and some protection where winter temperatures regularly dip below 0°F.

Germination and culture are fairly simple and straightforward and similar to that of other Solanaceae species. Around 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost, tuck seeds just beneath the surface of moist soil, pressing to keep seeds snug. Mist generously and cover with plastic. Kept warm (around 70°F) in bright light seeds typically germinate with two weeks. Uncover promptly and avoid coddling while seedlings develop true leaves. Prick out carefully to grow on in individual pots or cells in bright light at warm room temperature. Do not overwater! Fertilize with dilute seaweed extractives to encourage root development. Prune to encourage branching if single stems become leggy. Pot up well-rooted seedlings into larger containers as necessary. Harden off thoroughly before transplanting into the garden in full sun or into a terra cotta pot on the patio.

Lycium does not appreciate too much moisture or fertility and plants will be hardier and stronger if made to suffer slightly. Mulch with pumice or perlite and water only sparingly save for hot dry spells. Plants bloom and produce fruit on growth from the previous year, but produce a better crop if branches are thinned. So, do prune, but not hard! Provide some cover in the first year as the young plants will break under the weight of heavy snow.

Potted plants of Shanghai Express produced fruit for us in the second year, but the crop will be much more significant in the third and subsequent years. Plants can grow very large indeed if allowed, but unpruned plants will be less productive, not to mention totally unmanageable.

Packet contains at least 15 seeds.