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Growing Instructions:
1) Sow seeds
as soon as possible. If you do not want to use them all at once,
store in a paper bag/envelope in a cool dry place. Seeds that
have been stored can be soaked in water for up to 8 hours before
planting or placed in a fridge for a couple of hours to help
the germination process begin.
2)
Soil: use any medium soil; loam-based or peat-based compost,
vermiculite, perlite, etc. Sow thinly in one-fourth to one-half inch
deep in loose, well draining soil and sprinkle 5mm of fine/dry
compost on top of seeds to cover, water gently with a light spray.
Place on a warm window sill in shade or indirect sunlight and keep
moist. An electric propagator will speed up the germination process
if desired. The seeds will germinate between 5 and 10 days,
depending on the temperature. Once sprouted, seedlings should be
gradually acclimated to direct sunlight until well
established.
3)
Water seedlings regularly, keep soil well-drained and do not allow
to become waterlogged. When leaves develop, carefully pot into 3
inch pots. Place in a sunny but sheltered position or in a
greenhouse or conservatory. When the plant is 3 or 4 inches tall,
pinch growing tip to encourage bushiness. Once established, they
will be quite hardy and prolific growers, reaching maturity in 4-5
years, and standing 10'-12' high with vines reaching to 20' in
length. Heavy pruning of the plant will keep it looking neat and
will encourage flowering and fruiting.
Hints and Tips:
Be
careful not to over-water - goji plants are very drought tolerant.
They do not require a rich soil - they arebest grown in soil of
moderate quality. They like a sunny position and are hardy down to
-15c. Keep well drained, mix sand or gravel if necessary to aid
drainage.
Depending on the amount of sunlight, the plants may not produce any flowers or fruit in their first year. In the second year, they will flower first with small trumpet-shaped purple and white flowers in early summer, followed by plump, juicy, bright-red fruits. The plant will continue to flower and produce fruit right up until the first heavy frost. Heavy yields can be expected from Goji plants that are 4 to 5 years old. Typcially, only 2 year old plants will produce 1-2kg of goji berries! The sweet fresh gojis can be picked when red and eaten straight away. Gojis will oxidise and turn black if touched by hand, so if they are to be kept for a period of time or dried then they should be shaken off the plant and collected in a tea towel or cloth.
Benefits of goji's:
Goji Berries are said to:
- Boost energy and general well being
- Fortify and maintain a healthy immune system
- Defend and fight against many cancers
- Fight heart disease
- Lower cholesterol
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and blood
sugar levels
- Reduce blood glucose levels
- Improve eyesight, blurred vision and hearing
- Strengthen and supports healthy liver and
kidney function
- Maintain a healthy nervous system
- Improve cellulite
- Assist in weight loss
- Boost sex drive / libido
Wolfberries are nutritionally rich, containing beta-carotene,
Vitamins C, B1, B2 and other vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and
amino acids. Companies marketing the berries also claim the berries
contain such nutrients as isoleucine and tryptophan (both amino
acids), as well as zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium,
phosphorus, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and vitamin E.
A "daily serving" of just 10-30 grams can be added to
smoothies, muesli, breakfast cereals, yoghurt, smoothies or simply
eaten by the handful as a wonderful nutritious and healthy
snack!
Two recent book publications describe exceptional nutritional
qualities of wolfberries, advancing a working proposal that the
wolfberry is one of the most nutrient-rich plant foods on Earth
(References: Young et al., 2005; Gross et al., 2006).
Many celebs have advocated the wonderful powers of goji
berries. Why don't you try growing the freshest goji's and feel the
benefits too!
Eat and be happy! Enjoy! |
