Goji Berry Plant in a Pot

Summary of Post
This is an update to my Goji Berry Germinating Endeavour launched in August 2008.

Survivor: Goji Berry
My Goji plants celebrated their 6 month birthday today! I had previously sowed about 60 seeds extracted from within the largest of my organic goji berry supply. (You can get some here at about $16.50 for a 16 oz pouch). From these, about 15 germinated (germination rate 20% = Not Bad!). I transplanted 8 of the sturdiest looking seedlings, and now 5 are left standing. These are the survivors of all the worst trials and tribulations one could possibly submit baby goji plants to. Measly, meager winter sunlight, scorching heat from experimental grow light initiatives, near-drowning via over-watering by a very enthusiastic caretaker (oops!), and prolonged drought and dessication when their mommy went away to sunny Florida for two weeks (uh...sorry!).

Potted Ponderings
At six months of age, these goji plants look sturdy and healthy (I'll post a pic soon). Their leaves are a rich deep green color, which is surprising when you think about all the light deprivation they have endured. The plants actually spent the first three months of their existence looking like Goji Dwarf Wannabes. I was beginning to think that they would never grow any taller than their 1 inch height when quite suddenly some of these bad boys bust into puberty and displayed some impressive growth spurts. I had to
move them into bigger pots since they outgrew their small starter pots. The two tallest are presently a commanding 5 inches tall, while their other siblings remain sadly stunted (I feel I am to blame for this).


Repotting Goji Plants
It's not rocket science, but does need some care. I filled some 4 inch diameter pots halfway with good compost that I get for free from our awesome Harrison Township Composting Facility. Then I carefully extracted the goji seedlings (soil and all) from their starter pots. The best way to do this is to gently overturn the starter pot onto your cupped fingers and let the entire contents of the pot slide out upside down onto your fingers. The seedling should be facing downward, and its stem should be between your second and index finger. If the roots are well developed (which they should be at this point) the soil should hold together nicely. Now, with one swift and fluid motion deserving of some serious accolades, flip the root (soil) ball over (right side up) into the middle of the half filled pot (goji's new home). Hold the plant upright while you add more soil around the plant. Firm up the soil to ensure contact with the roots and give the little guy a drink. Easy right?

I'll be back with more news on my goji babies soon! In my next post, read about Goji Killing Aphids and how to deal with these goji pests.