Goji berries, sometimes called wolfberries, have earned a reputation as one of the world’s top superfruits thanks to their antioxidants, vitamins, and health-boosting properties. Growing them at home allows you to enjoy these benefits straight from your garden. But before planting, there are three important things to think about: chill hours, planting location, and choosing the right varieties with pollination in mind.
Chill Hours: Why They Matter for Gojis
Chill hours are the number of hours a plant spends between 32°F and 45°F in winter. These cool periods help plants reset for the next season, ensuring proper flowering and fruit set.
Goji berries are fairly adaptable and usually require 300–500 chill hours to thrive:
- Northern states (like Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin) often exceed 1,000 chill hours—plenty for gojis.
- Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions see 600–900 hours, which is excellent.
- Southern states (Georgia, Texas, Alabama) often provide 200–500 hours, still suitable for lower-chill cultivars.
This versatility means you can grow gojis in most U.S. regions with the right care.
Planting Location: Setting Up for Success
To thrive, goji berries need full sun, at least 6–8 hours per day. While they tolerate a range of soils, they do best in well-drained loam. Heavy clay soils should be amended, and waterlogged conditions should be avoided to prevent root problems.
When planting, equip your shrubs with the right tools:
- Add Nutra Pro First-Year Fertilizer Packs at the roots for consistent nutrients.
- Use a transplant mix with water-holding polymers to cut down on watering stress.
- Install max growth berry tree shelters to protect against deer, rabbits, and sunscald while creating a greenhouse effect that encourages faster establishment.
Space plants 4–6 feet apart to allow good air circulation and easier harvesting.
Varieties and Pollination
Two standout varieties are available:
- Crimson Star Goji Berry – A vigorous producer with deep red berries, known for rich flavor and dependable yields.
- Firecracker Goji Berry – Celebrated for its bright, slightly tart berries and attractive growth habit that makes it both ornamental and productive.
Goji berries are self-pollinating, which means a single plant will produce fruit. However, planting more than one shrub—especially mixing Crimson Star with Firecracker—can increase yields and extend your berry season.
Fun Recipe: Goji Berry Energy Bites 🍫✨
Once your shrubs begin producing, you’ll want creative ways to use your harvest. These no-bake goji berry energy bites are simple, healthy, and perfect for snacks on the go.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup dried goji berries
- ½ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine oats, goji berries, chia seeds, and chocolate chips.
- Stir in almond butter and honey until the mixture holds together.
- Roll into small bite-sized balls.
- Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
These little bites are loaded with protein, antioxidants, and flavor—perfect as a post-workout snack or a healthy afternoon pick-me-up.
🛒 Where to Buy Goji Berry Plants
The best place to purchase your goji berry plants is Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC:
✅ Best prices on Crimson Star and Firecracker goji berry plants
✅ Non-GMO, climate-ready selections
✅ Fast shipping so your plants arrive fresh and ready to thrive
✅ Free 1-Year Plantsurance™ Guarantee – store credit if your plant doesn’t survive 🛡️
At Ty Ty, planting superfruits is always zero stress and all success.
🌟 Final Thought
Goji berry plants are versatile, hardy, and rewarding. By understanding chill hours, preparing the right planting site, and choosing varieties like Crimson Star and Firecracker, you’ll enjoy years of fresh, nutrient-rich harvests.
Order your bare root goji berry plants from Ty Ty Plant Nursery, LLC today and start growing your own backyard supply of superfruit.


Leave a comment