GOJI BERRY 400 Seeds, Cleaned Out Of Pods, and 50 similar items

GOJIBERRY 400 Seeds, Cleaned Out Of Pods, (Wolfberry, Lycium barbarum) Lycium barbarum Uses: Culinary/Medicinal Duration: Perennial (hardy in zones 3-9) When to Sow: Spring/Late Summer/Early Fall Ease of Germination: Easy Goji berries have had lots of media attention in recent years, and are thought to be a "superfood." They are certainly rich in nutrients, being packed with vitamins and minerals as well as amino acids and essential fatty acids. Five carotenoids are found in Goji berries: beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, and cryptoxanthin. All of these are reputed to contribute to overall health and disease resistance in humans. Even the leaves of the Goji plant are edible and nutritious! (Wolfberry; Gou-gi-zi; Matrimony vine) Chinese culinary and medicinal herb. Used to strengthen muscles and bone, liver function, to restore “vital essences,” and to improve vision. Increases white blood cell counts, and stimulates tissue development. Young leaves and shoots are popular as cooked greens in Canton. Sweet berries are eaten raw as a snack or added to soups and stews. In its third year of growth, a Goji plant can produce over 6 lbs of fruit. Shanghai Express is a wonderful variety of Lycium barbarum that grows well in northern latitudes. Plants are extremely cold hardy to -20C (-4F), but should be mulched if extreme weather is expected. The berries can be frozen or dried - drying seems to maintain the best flavor. Goji is a shrubby plant that can, in time, grow 1-3m (3-10') tall. Growers space Goji plants 60cm (24") apart in rows that are 2m (6') apart. Spaced this way, 15 plants in a 30 foot row can produce up to 100 lbs of berries in a year. Goji is self pollinating, so even a single plant will produce fruit. Goji is unusual in that it prefers relatively infertile, slightly alkaline soil with a pH range of 6.8 to 8.1. Goji reacts poorly to fertilizer and manure, so if you're growing in a large container, use simple top soil with some perlite mixed in for drainage. Avoid peat-based soils. If severe winter weather is expected, it is wise to mulch around the bases of your Goji plants, or move container plants into a cool but frost free area such as a garage. Germination: Seeds Packets are labeled with seed name and sowing details. Seeds have not been pretreated unless specified in the listing. Due to the many factors involved in successful germination, Seller cannot be responsible for buyers growing methods or mistakes. I have provided what I believe to be a good overview on this page (which you are free to print for further reference), however, it is still recommended to check specialist literature for more details and practices specific to your climate and soil conditions to avoid mistakes in the germination and growing process.