Most of us know the Goji berry as a trendy superfood, but did you know these plants are actually incredibly easygoing in the garden? They aren’t very demanding when it comes to nutrients, but if you want a massive harvest of those nutrient-packed berries, a little bit of the right fertilizer goes a long way.
What’s the best way to fertilize Goji berries?
The gold standard for Goji berries (also known as Wolfberries) is a nice layer of well-rotted compost once a year. Simply spread it around the base of the shrub in early spring to give it a gentle boost for the growing season. If you’re planting new shrubs, mixing some compost directly into the hole gives them a great head start. Once that’s done, you’re set for the whole year—no need for a second round! If your soil is heavy or clay-like, try mixing in some materials to improve drainage, such as:
- Coarse sand
- Fine gravel
Can I use standard berry fertilizer?
Yes, you can definitely use specialty berry fertilizers, but there’s a catch: watch out for high nitrogen levels. While nitrogen is great for leafy growth, too much of it will make your Goji berry go wild with green branches while completely forgetting to produce flowers. If you’re growing your Goji berries in containers, a liquid berry fertilizer is often a much more convenient alternative to bulky compost.
What happens if I over-fertilize?
Goji berries are naturally vigorous growers, especially when they have a sunny spot and well-draining soil. They’ll even produce fruit in poor soil! While a little fertilizer helps the yield, “too much of a good thing” will actually tank your harvest. Over-fertilizing often leads to zero flowers, spotted leaves, and a plant that is much more susceptible to pests and diseases. When it comes to Gojis, less is usually more!
