Due to its origin, the goji berry is easily hardy outdoors in most locations in Central Europe. However, this frost tolerance does not apply without restriction to all types of culture or to every age of the plant.
How to protect goji berries in winter?
Goji berries can easily overwinter outdoors at temperatures down to -25 degrees Celsius when they are older. Young plants and potted shrubs should be protected, wrapped with fleece and covered with mulch. Water on frost-free days to avoid drought damage.
Older specimens can also survive very frosty temperatures
The fully grown Goji berry bush (from the second and third year onwards) can withstand temperatures of up to -25 degrees Celsius without any major problems. However, if there are regular frosts, you should sometimes water on frost-free days to protect the plants from drought damage during the winter months.
Protective measures for young plants and potted shrubs
Young plants and freshly grown cuttings and offshoots are not yet as winter-proof as older, already flowering specimens of the goji berry. If necessary, you should overwinter in a bright but not too warm winter quarters. Goji berries grown in pots should:
- be placed in a location that is as protected as possible
- can be wrapped with special fleece (€72.00 on Amazon) or bubble wrap
- be protected from the winter cold with a layer of mulch or leaves
Tip
Goji berries should, if possible, be planted in their predetermined location in the outdoor bed in spring. Planting potted shrubs late in the fall usually gives the plants too little time to grow before the onset of winter.
