How to Grow Black Goji Berry? A Full Breakdown of the Latest Cultivation Techniques
Black goji berry (Lycium ruthenicum) is a multi-thorny shrub, generally around 0.5 m tall, never exceeding 1.5 m, with many branches. As a Chinese medicinal herb that suddenly shot to fame, it has extremely high value: it not only fights aging and improves sleep, but also beautifies the complexion and improves the skin. And its benefits go far beyond these, so its market price is now very high, reaching as much as 100 yuan/jin. But most black goji berries today still come from wild areas, and many people who want to grow them artificially do not know how to do it. Below, the editor brings you the cultivation methods for black goji berry!
1. Site selection and land preparation
The growing environment for black goji berry first of all requires sufficient sunlight, so the orchard should be established on relatively flat terrain with plenty of sun, fertile and loose soil, and easy access for irrigation. It is best to create a shelterbelt; the shelterbelt mainly serves to make management, fertilizing, drainage and irrigation, and cultivation of the black goji berry easier. Before planting, the orchard should be deep-plowed and the base fertilizer mixed in, and it is best to start in the autumn of the year before planting. This is because it helps the newly planted black goji berries grow and develop and raises the survival rate. Then make field beds at least 1 m wide to make later management easier.
2. Propagation methods
Black goji berry has three propagation methods: sowing, division, and cuttings. Sowing is generally done around the Beginning of Spring in spring. Seedlings will begin to flower and fruit within three years. Division propagation is mainly done in spring when the old plants begin to sprout; among the three propagation methods, division is relatively simple. Cutting propagation is generally done in April and October. Before propagation, select an excellent plant's current-year excessive-growth branch or a branch with plump flower buds from last year, cut it into cuttings about 12 cm long, then insert the cuttings at a row spacing of 20*15 cm, leaving 1/3 exposed, firm the soil, and water.
3. Field management
Black goji berry must be cultivated and weeded in a timely manner. Cultivation is done to turn the soil over once, enhancing soil permeability and preventing the soil from becoming too compacted, which would affect root respiration; however, when turning the soil, be careful not to damage the roots. Weeding is done to prevent weeds from competing with the black goji berry for nutrients, water, sunlight, and other substances it needs, and it can also improve ventilation in the field. During the seedling stage, fertilize at least three times, each time using urea as the main fertilizer, and after flowering and fruiting, apply phosphorus compound fertilizer twice. Pay attention to the moisture conditions in the orchard; black goji berry is not suitable for growing in moist environments, so pay attention to drainage.
⟧4. Harvesting and processing
The most suitable harvest time for black goji berry each year is around June in summer. When the berries are black with a hint of red and the fruit stalk is relatively loose, showing a tendency to drop, harvesting can begin. However, when harvesting, pick and place them gently; too much force will cause the fruit to split and lose its value. Spread the harvested fruit out flat promptly, try not to pile the fruit up, and keep the thickness no more than 1 cm. After spreading it flat, let it dry in the sun to evaporate moisture and become dried fruit. Never stir it.
⟧As people's living standards gradually rise, they continually pursue a high-quality life and pay more and more attention to health preservation. With so many benefits, black goji berry naturally sees growing market demand. So the editor thinks the prospects for growing black goji berry are still great, and the current market price only rises and does not fall, with very considerable profits. Everyone can also carefully consider it based on their own conditions and growing environment.