Goji Berry Plant Propagation
Propagating goji berries can be done in two ways: by seed and by cuttings. While growing goji berry plants from seed is perfectly doable, it takes quite a bit of patience. The seedlings often suffer from damping off (becoming weak and falling over), and even the healthy ones take about three years to really get going. Rooting goji berry cuttings is much more reliable and effective. That being said, seeds are best started indoors in the early spring covered with a thin layer of compost. Keep the seeds warm, between 65 and 68 F. (18-20 C.). Transplant the seedlings into a pot to be brought indoors for the first winter before finally planting outside.
Rooting Goji Berry Cuttings
Goji berry plant propagation can be done both with softwood (new growth) cuttings taken in the summer, and with hardwood (old growth) cuttings taken in the winter. Softwood cuttings tend to take root more reliably. Take your softwood cuttings in early summer – cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) long with at least three sets of leaves. Take the cuttings in the early morning, when their moisture content is highest, and wrap them in a wet towel to keep them from drying out. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cuttings, dip the ends in a rooting hormone, and place them in small pots of half perlite, half peat moss. Wrap and seal the pots in plastic bags and open them up every other day to allow air circulation. The key is to keep the cuttings moist until they root. Keep them in bright, indirect sunlight. After a few weeks, remove the bag. Bring the pots indoors for their first winter to allow the plants to become established.
