Goji berries (Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense) are popular, nutrient-dense superfruit shrubs. Many new gardeners are drawn to these plants for their vibrant red fruit and health benefits. A common question arises regarding the plant’s need for physical support to grow successfully. While goji berries can survive without intervention, providing a structure to climb or lean on almost always benefits the gardener. This article clarifies the goji berry’s natural growth habits and provides guidance on implementing support structures for a successful harvest.
Understanding the Goji Berry Growth Habit
The goji berry naturally grows as a cane-producing, deciduous shrub, not a self-supporting tree. Its canes are long, flexible, and tend to sprawl or weep when weighed down by foliage and developing fruit. Left unsupported, these arching branches can reach lengths where their tips touch the ground, especially in viney cultivars.
This sprawling characteristic is primarily what makes support a consideration for growers. If fruit-laden branches rest on the soil, the berries can become soiled or rot before harvest. Additionally, many Lycium barbarum cultivars possess small, sharp thorns, making an untamed bush difficult to manage. The growth pattern is vigorous, and some varieties can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet if left unpruned, emphasizing the need for structural control.
Practical Benefits of Providing Support
While goji berries can survive as sprawling shrubs, support is highly recommended for optimizing fruit production and plant health. The most immediate advantage is easier harvesting, as support keeps the fruit off the ground and within reach. This minimizes fruit loss due to pests or spoilage from ground contact.
Elevating the canopy also significantly improves air circulation around the canes and foliage. Increased airflow is a practical method for reducing the risk of fungal diseases, which thrive in humid conditions. Better light penetration ensures fruit develops consistently across all branches, leading to higher yields and quality. Training the plant to a structure makes routine management tasks, such as pruning and pest inspection, simpler and more effective.
Choosing and Implementing Support Structures
Selecting the right support structure depends on the space available and the desired plant shape. For limited space or a manicured look, training the goji berry into a small tree form using a single sturdy stake is effective. This method involves selecting the strongest main cane as the central leader, tying it loosely to a post, and regularly removing suckers and lower side branches to create a trunk.
For managing multiple plants or creating a productive hedgerow, a simple T-trellis or wire system is often employed, similar to methods used for grapes or raspberries. This system uses two end posts with horizontal wires strung between them. Wires are typically placed at heights like 16 and 28 inches from the ground, with additional wires every 12 inches higher up. This configuration allows flexible fruiting canes to be tied laterally along the wires, maximizing sun exposure. Pruning involves shortening lateral branches by 6 to 18 inches during the dormant season to encourage new, fruit-bearing wood in the spring.