Grow goji from seeds
Goji seeds are very tiny. To grow goji from seeds, soil must be made very fine before planting. ¼ to ½ inch (0.5-1 cm) planting depth is recommended. Commercial garden soil mixed with sand serve very well in growing goji from seeds. It is always a good idea to soak the seeds in warm water (70-80 F) for 1-2 days prior to planting. This treatment would greatly help germination. After sowing, spay water on the surface of the soil and make soil moist and keep soil moist all the time during germination. The ideal temperature for seeds germination is 25-32 C. So plastic mulch is recommended to raise up temperature if growing seeds outdoors in spring.
Young goji seedlings are very fragile. Many garden critters enjoy relishing young goji seedlings. Make sure the young plants are well protected after emergence. Before plants reach 10 cm in height partial sun or greenhouse is recommended, the plants can be put in full sun after growing above 10 cm. When goji grows 10-20 cm, it is time to transplant seedlings to permanent site. Loosen the soil (up to 30 cm) first, transplant seedlings to field and water the plants immediately. Cloudy days are ideal for plant transplanting. Plants should be protected by fence against wild life. For planting density and pruning tips, visit www.go-goji.com in ‘goji knowledge base’ section.
A goji plant with established roots is very tolerant to drought. Goji is also very tolerant to high soil pH. Goji can grow very well in soils with pH>8. Ideal soil pH for goji is 7-8 but it can also grow in soils with pH of 6.5 and below. Soil aeration and drainage is important for successful goji cultivation. Goji prefer to grow in light loam and sandy loam. If necessary, till soil down to 30 cm every fall to make better soil aeration.
Fertilizing goji plants twice a year will significantly increase goji yield. Organic fertilizer (cow manure, compost manure, etc) works the best. One application is given in early spring before the plants break dormancy, the other is given in mid-summer to replenish soil nutrients after spring and early summer vegetative and reproductive growth.