It doesn’t seem so long ago that I hadn’t heard of Goji Berries (Lycium) and now I am all set to plant some in my garden! These berries, which are reputed to have health giving properties nothing short of miraculous, originate from China. They are also known as the Wolfberry. The plants have pretty lilac flowers followed by bright scarlet berries in August to October, or even up to the first frosts. They are so attractive it’s more than likely you will have competition for the fruit from the local bird population. These plants were first grown in the UK as far back as the 1780s by the Duke of Argyll and are sometimes still known as the Duke of Argyll’s Tea Tree.

My plant, which looks extremely fresh and healthy, is already happily growing in a pot. But if you decide to buy some of your own they may arrive as bare rooted plants, which means exactly what it says. They will have been carefully packaged by the grower to keep the roots damp by being encased in a plastic bag. It is important that they are planted out as soon as possible after you receive them and, most important, do not allow the roots to dry out at any time.

These wonderful plants are hardy down to -15C so would have had no problem coping with the extremely cold winter we have just endured. They aren’t too fussy about what type of soil they are planted in but they do like it to be fairly fertile and well-drained, apart from that they can tolerate either clay or lighter sandy soils. They do best in a sunny position and should be positioned about 2m apart. Water well after planting and keep well watered for the first season. Once established they are remarkably drought tolerant and will do a good job of covering a dry bank. After care can be minimal as they require little pruning. However, I am told that heavy pruning will not only keep the bushes in good shape it will also boost berry production. If left unchecked they can reach heights of up to 2m.

The fruits can be eaten either fresh or frozen, used to make jam, compote or in any other way you choose. Another option is to dry the fruit and this can by done by spreading on a wire rack making sure there is a good air supply around the berries. The rack can then either be placed in a warm airing cupboard or in an oven set at the lowest possible temperature. Once dried use them in the same way you would any other dried fruit. However you eat them they are both delicious and nutritious – enjoy.

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