Goji berry plants have become increasingly popular among home gardeners, homesteaders, and small-scale growers looking for a hardy, productive berry plant with impressive nutritional value. Known for their bright red berries and vigorous growth habit, goji berries are adaptable to many climates and soil types. However, like most perennial fruiting plants, planting them at the right time is critical for strong establishment and long-term success.

The best time to plant goji berry plants depends on your state’s climate, soil temperature, and seasonal frost patterns. Goji berries are deciduous shrubs that benefit from early root development before being exposed to heat or winter cold. Planting at the proper time allows the roots to settle in quickly, leading to faster growth and earlier berry production.

Why Planting Time Matters for Goji Berry Plants

Goji berry plants grow aggressively once established, but young plants rely heavily on their root systems during the first year. Planting during the correct seasonal window allows roots to develop before the plant is challenged by temperature extremes.

Planting goji berry plants at the right time helps ensure:

• Stronger root establishment
• Reduced transplant stress
• Improved drought tolerance
• Healthier cane growth
• Earlier and more consistent berry production

Planting too early in cold, saturated soil can slow growth, while planting too late can stress plants during hot weather before roots are fully established.

Best Time to Plant Goji Berry Plants in Northern States

States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire

Best Planting Time: Late April through May

In northern states with long winters and late springs, goji berry plants should be planted after the soil has completely thawed and the danger of hard freezes has passed. Late April through May offers the safest planting window. Planting earlier often results in cold soil conditions that slow root development.

Fall planting is generally not recommended in these areas due to short growing seasons and early winter conditions.

Best Time to Plant Goji Berry Plants in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic

States: New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland

Best Planting Time: Late March through April

These regions provide excellent conditions for growing goji berries. Early spring planting allows roots to establish during cool temperatures and regular rainfall. This helps plants grow vigorously once warmer weather arrives.

Fall planting can work in some Mid-Atlantic locations, but spring planting remains the most reliable option.

Best Time to Plant Goji Berry Plants in the Southeast

States: Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas

Best Planting Time: December through February

The Southeast offers one of the longest planting windows for goji berry plants. Mild winters allow planting throughout the dormant season. Winter planting gives goji berries time to establish roots before spring growth begins, resulting in stronger plants and earlier fruiting.

Late spring planting is discouraged due to rising temperatures and increased water stress.

Best Time to Plant Goji Berry Plants in Texas, Oklahoma & the Gulf States

States: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida

Best Planting Time: December through February

These regions warm quickly in spring, making winter planting ideal. Planting goji berries early allows roots to establish before summer heat arrives. Selecting well-drained planting sites improves performance in warmer climates.

Best Time to Plant Goji Berry Plants in the Midwest

States: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Kansas, Nebraska

Best Planting Time: March through April

The Midwest experiences variable spring weather, but goji berry plants perform best when planted once soil temperatures begin to rise and extended freezes become unlikely. Early spring planting provides a full growing season for establishment.

Best Time to Plant Goji Berry Plants in the Upper South & Appalachian Regions

States: Virginia, West Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, Eastern Tennessee

Best Planting Time: February through April

These regions offer moderate temperatures and reliable rainfall, making them well suited for goji berries. Planting in late winter or early spring supports strong root growth before summer heat.

General Rule of Thumb for All States

If you are unsure about the best planting time in your area, follow this simple guideline:

Plant goji berry plants while they are dormant or just as spring growth begins.

This timing allows roots to establish before the plant enters rapid growth.

Planting Tips for Goji Berry Plants

Sunlight

Goji berry plants grow best in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil

Goji berries prefer well-draining soil and tolerate a wide range of soil types. Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils.

Spacing

Space goji berry plants 4–6 feet apart to allow for proper airflow and mature growth.

Watering

Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season.

Support

Goji berry plants benefit from light trellising or support to keep growth upright and improve harvesting.

Why Starting With Quality Goji Berry Plants Matters

Goji berry plants are long-lived and productive when established correctly. Starting with healthy, vigorous plants leads to faster establishment, stronger growth, and more reliable berry production over time.

Why Customers Choose Ty Ty Nursery to Buy Goji Berry Plants

• Large selection of goji berry plants for sale
• Best prices without sacrificing plant quality
• Fastest in-season shipping — plant in days the Ty Ty way
• Industry-leading guarantees included free
• Certified Google Quality Store: View Reviews
• Nearly 50 years in business with over 10 million plants shipped
• Tens of thousands of 5-star reviews: Read Customer Reviews
• Live plant experts located in Ty Ty, GA — call 888-758-2252
• Convenience of shopping online and having goji berry plants delivered right to your door

When you are ready to buy goji berry plants online, choosing an experienced nursery helps ensure success from planting day forward.