Goji (wolfberry) Lycium barbarum
Goji (wolfberry) (Lycium barbarum) is a deciduous perennial fruit plant in the Solanaceae family, native to Northern China. It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Goji (wolfberry) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: ripe berries |
| Native to | Northern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China |
Is Goji (wolfberry) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves, unripe fruit
Solanaceae alkaloids occur at low levels in leaves; berries can interact with the blood thinner warfarin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Goji (wolfberry)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Verticillium wilt: Verticillium lives in soil for years; hosts planted together or in sequence build it up. Evidence B
Questions about Goji (wolfberry)
- How far apart should I plant Goji (wolfberry)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Goji (wolfberry) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Goji (wolfberry) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Goji (wolfberry)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Goji (wolfberry) flower?
- From about May for 13–21 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Goji (wolfberry) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Solanaceae alkaloids occur at low levels in leaves; berries can interact with the blood thinner warfarin.
- What grows well with Goji (wolfberry)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Goji (wolfberry). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Spreads by suckers and arching canes; chill requirement is not well documented so none is modelled; berries ripen over many weeks from midsummer.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica