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Old 08-14-2012, 07:46 AM
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Default Goji Berries for Longevity and Health

I've been looking into goji lately and have found some remarkable evidence that they may well be worth the trouble. They are pretty expensive and the taste is not real great but with a little honey they are good.

I recently purchased some at $19 dollars a pound, (plus $10 shipping) not to eat, but to plant. Apparently they can grow anywhere, from desert to high altitude, in cold or warm.

So I planted a tray of 30 and right now I have 4 that are up. In a few weeks I will transplant them to bigger pots for the winter to keep in my sunroom, which does freeze, as the house is not done yet, but will not get as cold as outside.

Here are some videos that will show you why goji may be worth adding to your garden. They also dry well for winter storage.

this following film shows a great improvement in the state of the blood only 36 hours after first consuming goji berries. Cholesterol and bacteria are reduced and blood cells look healthier.




This defines the ORAC scale related to Goji - 25,100 ORAC! It also contains ORMUS and is a complete protien, polysaccharide sugars (think glyconutrients)




Goji Berries are number one in Chinese medicine




This is the instructional film I followed to plant goji. I planted the whole berry. Some did not come up so I split open some berries and took out the seeds and planted 3 to a cup and Im waiting to see how that does. I used azmonite and goat manure to fertilize a typical organic potting mix. I will transplant eventually to a larger pot and add chicken manure. Because these plants typically grow in high regions of the mountians high nitrogen soils should not be required. Actually, each berry has about 30 seeds, not hundreds. I will winter them in 1 gallon pots in a cold sunroom for winter protection (Since we can get 20 to 50 below on extreme years) until spring then put them in the ground. It is also possible to take cuttings of your goji berry plant and root them in water then plant them.




Growing goji on a large farm

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Old 08-14-2012, 11:12 AM
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This page has studies related to goji berry. Seems a fair amount of research has been done.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=goji%20berry
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Old 08-14-2012, 02:42 PM
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Very interesting indeed. Heard so much about them, but never actually tried them - somewhat bitter, akin to cranberry I believe? Hard to get hold of here in the UK, in their natural state at least.

All berries are very good for you. Nutritious and (together with nuts and seeds) they raise the body's spiritual vibrations, so the more you can incorporate into your diet the better.
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Old 08-14-2012, 05:03 PM
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I've had several brands over the years and the one's Im growing are from https://gojiberry.com/ I've really not seen much of a difference in the berries from different companies... only in how dry or moist they are.







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Old 08-16-2012, 10:37 AM
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It seems that Tibetian and Chinese gogi offer different medicinal qualities and there are some issues that lead to confusion between Chinese and Tibetian Goji. For those who have difficulty clicking on links, here:

First, the Tibetan Goji berry and the Chinese Wolfberry are both Lycium berries. They look similar to one another and share the same pinyin name of Gou Qi Zi. Sharing the same pinyin name causes great confusion.

The Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) has received much popularity in China. It is a widely cultivated export crop and highly regarded in China for its medicinal properties. In addition to being cultivated in the popular region of Ningxia, it is also cultivated on very large commercial farms in the regions of Hebei, Gansu, Qinghai, and Shanxi.

Many varieties of Lycium berries grow all over the world, but the highly revered Tibetan Goji berry grows ONLY in some areas of Tibet and mostly in Mongolian areas. Wolfberries do not grow in any abundance in the traditional Himalayan botanical collection areas where Goji berries grow. Never in the past have Wolfberries been referred to as 'Goji' berries, or visa versa. That is until recently. Now that the Tibetan lycium 'Goji' berry has gained worldwide recognition with strong market demand, the much more cheaply cultivated Chinese Lycium barbarum, or Wolfberry, is being passed off as the Tibetan Goji berry.

Another issue that has lead to confusion is the fact that in China, the Wolfberry is called Gou Qi Zi. People began to think that the name 'Goji' must be short for the Chinese name Gou Qi Zi; even though these two berries are different in size, taste, name and are grown in two different countries. The name 'Goji' only refers to the Tibetan Lycium variety of Lycium Chinensis.
https://www.tanaduk.com/research6.html

Now I can not be absolutley positive as to where the truth lies on this issue of quality and type of berry but according to Chinese medicine the Chinese berry and the Tibetian berry have some different effects in the body.. as explained further in the link I provide.....



Tibetan Goji Berries are not Chinese Wolfberries



Fructus Lycium Chinensis - Goji
smaller, rounder / sweeter
Also known as phangma



Chinese Lycium barbarum - wolfberry
larger, oblong/ sour, acid after taste
Chinese name is Gou Qi Zi (not goji)
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Old 08-17-2012, 09:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arrowwind09 View Post





Tibetan Goji Berries are not Chinese Wolfberries



Fructus Lycium Chinensis - Goji
smaller, rounder / sweeter
Also known as phangma



Chinese Lycium barbarum - wolfberry
larger, oblong/ sour, acid after taste
Chinese name is Gou Qi Zi (not goji)


Purple and gold flowers; Definitely in the nightshade family.
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Old 08-21-2012, 11:36 PM
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Growing your own goji berries

https://www.gojiberriesblog.com/2011/...-goji-berries/




Some people spend all their money on fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy supplements. They end up with foods of varying quality and often an empty wallet. Others grow them at home and invariably save quite a bit of money. Growing fruits and vegetables scare some people, though. Even the earthiest people may be turned off by more exotic fruits. However, there are some exotic foods that are still in reach. Goji berries, as esoteric as they seem, are easy to grow.

As with any prospected garden, starters must first be obtained. These starters can either be small plants or seeds. Sprouts can be little shoots harvested from a larger plant or seeds that have begun to grow. Goji shoots sometimes will look like small twigs, but with some attention they will quickly perk up. They are quicker than seeds, there�s more guarantee that they will grow, and berries will appear sooner, but prices tend to be higher. The other alternative, getting seeds, can be purchased cheaper in larger quantities. Both choices have appeal to different people depending on their patience and price ranges.

Once the starter plant or seed has been obtained, it�s ready to grow. There are a few conditions to consider when planting goji berries. Young roots are more susceptible to cold and may die in it. It would be best to plant the starter in late spring when the temperature is around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, one could keep it indoors or in a greenhouse where it stays warm. One should also put the plants in a well lit area. Sunlight produces bigger and better berries. Bury them under a thin layer of dirt and water daily. Skip watering on days that it rains, and make sure that the soil is well drained. After a few months, the plant should start growing rapidly.

The first few months of growth are slow, but with time it speeds up. The plant will grow around two to three feet tall and get bushy. It will start to look like a large tomato bush in shape and size. Goji plants sprout long leaves and little purple and white flowers. These flowers will stay until the first frost hits and kills them all off.

The first year of a goji plant�s life is the hardest. It�s at its weakest point when it�s young and is vulnerable to the cold. After that year, however, it becomes a hardy plant that needs less attention. It�s significantly more likely to survive the harsh winters and will grow big, thick stems to retain its strength. To maintain its health and nutrition, it�s recommended to fertilize the plant. Under these conditions, the plant will thrive and grow large, so the keeper may want to keep it pruned and under control. If taken care of, the plant will produce bigger and better berries with every passing year.

Growing plants at home is easy and provides quite a few benefits. People will admire the attention the plants have received and inquire about secrets for nurturing good berries. One�s home will also benefit from the fresh fruit and clean air a little extra greenery provides. Growing fruit at home will also save all the money otherwise spent at the local farmer�s market. Sometimes it may be a little hard when gardening for the first time, but with some practice and a little patience, anyone can grow their own food.

https://www.gojiberriesblog.com/2010/...-goji-berries/

These berries can be grown anywhere, in any type of soil or climate. For that you need to have the following things: � Seed of the plant, a particular area where you want to grow it, soil, water, access to ample amount of sunlight.

Once you have arranged for all these things, you need to plant the seeds in the soil. It would be better if the soil is organic in nature. The plant should be kept inside for the at least 6 months. Goji plants remain very fragile in their initial years and need utmost care along with a lot of water and sunlight. You can shift the plant outside in the garden after 6 months. You should have patience as goji plants do not produce berries for the first 2 years. It is important to prune your plant on a regular basis as it will help to yield a higher crop. Try to keep away your plant from animals to avoid damage.




https://www.gojiberriesblog.com/2012/...i-berry-plant/

Commercially grown in different regions around the Yellow River in China, including the Himalayans and Tibet, goji berry plants can also thrive in the northern hemisphere. They will flower from June through September and the berries will begin to ripen from July to October. It is important to note that a goji plant grown from seed will only produce berries after its third year in the ground.
If you are planning on growing your own goji berries at home the following guide on how to care for them will be useful:
Step #1 � Planting
Plant you goji berry plant after the last frost and ensure that you plant your goji berry plant in a location that has proper drainage. If not, you�ll have to add some organic material, such as compost. This will help it to drain, as the plant is drought resistant and the root system does not require a lot of water.
Step #2 � Location
You will want to plant your goji berry plant in a place that is exposed to sunlight for the majority of the day. Although it does not require a lot of water, you can help speed up the growth by watering it more often if your city does not receive a lot of rainfall. If it rains more four times a month you will not need to add any additional water.
Step #3 � Protect Your Plant
This is especially important in the beginning stages, as mentioned it takes three years for the plant to produce berries, so you will want to ensure you keep wildlife from eating the young shoots and leaves of the plant. Gardening fence and netting works well to keep both animals and birds away.
Step # 4 � Pruning
Goji berry plants, if left on their own, can grow up to 8 feet tall, and although the larger the plant the more berries it will produce it is best to prune your plant to the size of a small bush. You won�t get as many berries each year, but they will be larger and the plant will be easier to care for and protect from wildlife.
If you follow these four simple steps to take care of your goji berry plant, in just three short yearws, you will be well on your way to growing your very own goji berries from home.

Where to Grow Goji Berries

https://www.gojiberriesblog.com/2008/...-goji-berries/


Okay, so your biggest expense will be the pots, no doubt about it. That is, if you even need a pot. If you live in an area that doesn�t get colder than -15 F (-26 C), then you might be all right to just grow the berries outside.
If you are going to make a little patch to grow goji berries on your lawn, you may choose to just remove an area of grass. Then, put down some soil and some organic matter and seaweed fertilizer then you would have yourself a nice Goji garden.

If growing in pots, you can save money by getting creative here. If you can get access to a wooden barrel, cutting it in half would give you two nice, large, decorative pots that can be used to grow a few Goji plants in. If you have the money, you can always just buy a few large pots too. You�ll probably need a few of them to get a decent amount of berries growing.

Organic Seaweed Fertilizer: https://www.gojiberries.us/seaweedfertilizer.aspx
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Old 10-16-2012, 11:14 AM
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PRUNING YOUR GOJI BERRY PLANTS

https://blog.gardenharvestsupply.com/...-berry-plants/

Pruning is normally done in the winter, but they can also be gently trimmed throughout the season to shape the canopy and to improve berry yield.
You will not want to prune them heavily the first year. Identify the largest, healthy shoot, which will be the main trunk. Gradually remove the lower lateral shoots, with the goal in mind of keeping the trunk clear for the first 15-inches, and then when your Goji plant reaches 24-inches , remove the growing tip in order to stimulate the growth of additional side branches.

To prune adult plants, you just remove the branches above the height that you wish to keep. You should maintain clearance from the ground up of about 15-inches. You can also identify any ineffective branches. These usually grow very fast, straight and smooth and will not be very productive, so if they aren’t essential to the overall look, they can simply be removed. Remember that Goji Berry plants grow similar to a weeping willow. If allowed to grow un-pruned you can end up with a mighty ugly plant, though “ugly” is only in the eye of the beholder, and you may thoroughly enjoy this natural look. You should always prune the plant after a heavy berry season as berries are produced on new growth only.

We hope that this has helped you to understand the needs of the Goji Berry Plant. To help your prepare this amazingly healthy superfood, we have discovered a cookbook, written by Dr. Donald R. Daugs, Goji and Wolfberry, Superfood Cook Book for Health, Flavor and Fun, filled with illustrations and 93 recipes for everything from breakfast to main dishes and including a chapter on appetizers!

We have not mentioned fertilizer, because it is not absolutely necessary, but every plant will benefit from some type of regular feeding. We recommend Jobe’s continuous-release drip feeders or spikes.

Once the average daytime temperature drops below 50 degrees, your goji plant will start going into dormancy. It will stay dormant until the spring time temps are up above 50 degrees. If you live in an area that does not get that cold, keeping your plant pruned back to new growth is the key to keeping the berries coming.
We wish you great success and good health! Happy Gardening!
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Old 10-29-2012, 07:24 AM
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My goji berries are still sprouting out of the soil and I have them at all different sizes, from little sprouts to up two three inches tall now that were all planted on the same day.

I just wanted to add that unlike the video I don't recommed putting two seed pods to a cell because when you go to plant them into a larger pot the roots are too entangled. In the separation process all the soil fell off and one of the two plants died. Just put one seed per cell for the best results when you get to transplanting.

Also in the first video on this thread about the blood cells reaction to goji, it is Dr Victor Marcial-Vega speaking.
Here is a link to a short biography on him: https://www.cancure.org/dr_marcial_vega.htm
Note that he uses Essiac Tea in his work also. this page tells some of the results that goji made on his cancer patients.
also: https://www.juicing.com/AcidBerryCD.htm
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Old 10-29-2012, 09:56 AM
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Apparently 'the door of death' has a long growing season.
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Old 10-29-2012, 12:30 PM
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Just becasue it is in the nightshade family means absolutley nothing regarding its healing potentials.
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Old 10-30-2012, 10:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arrowwind09 View Post
Just becasue it is in the nightshade family means absolutley nothing regarding its healing potentials.

Potatoes and tomatoes are in the nightshade family too.
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Old 10-30-2012, 03:44 PM
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Arrowwind09, thank you for this most informative thread, I had no idea goji berries are so easy to grow virtually anywhere
I wanted to give it a try but couldn't find any Tibetan seeds ,so bought the Chinese version, second best will have to do for now
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Old 10-30-2012, 08:30 PM
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second best is still good for you... so no worries.
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