Goji Berry - Shanghai Express

25 Seeds

Shanghai Express Goji Berry Seeds

Shanghai Express Goji Berry Seeds (Lycium barbarum) produce one of the world's most celebrated superfruits. This hardy perennial shrub produces abundant bright orange-red berries that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and beneficial plant compounds. If you're looking for goji berry seeds to plant, Shanghai Express is an excellent variety for Canadian gardens thanks to its cold hardiness, vigorous growth, and reliable fruit production.

Often referred to simply as Shanghai Goji Berry, this variety grows into an attractive deciduous shrub reaching up to 10 feet tall while producing edible berries year after year. The plants are drought tolerant once established, attract pollinators, and require surprisingly little maintenance.

Browse our complete Fruit Seeds Collection for more unique fruits suited to Canadian gardens.

Scientific Profile

Feature	Details
Common Name	Shanghai Express Goji Berry
Botanical Name	Lycium barbarum
Plant Type	Perennial fruiting shrub
Seed Count	25 seeds
Life Cycle	Perennial
Hardiness	Zone 4 (-20°C)
Height	Up to 10 ft (3 m)
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Spacing	90–120 cm (36–48")
Seed Depth	¼ inch (6 mm)
Germination	10–14 days
Best Uses	Fresh eating, drying, smoothies, edible landscaping

Goji berries have been widely studied for their naturally occurring antioxidants, carotenoids (particularly zeaxanthin), vitamin C, and dietary fibre. They have been cultivated in Asia for centuries and continue to gain popularity among home gardeners looking to grow nutrient-dense fruits.

Growing Goji Berry From Seed

Growing goji berry from seed is straightforward with a little patience. Start seeds indoors approximately 4–6 weeks before your final frost date using a quality seed-starting mix.

Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and keep the growing medium consistently moist but never waterlogged. Moderate warmth between 20–25°C significantly improves goji berry seed germination, although a heat mat is optional rather than essential.

Once seedlings develop several sets of true leaves and all danger of frost has passed, harden plants off before transplanting outdoors into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

Goji Berry Seed Germination

Most goji berry plant seeds germinate within 10–14 days under warm conditions. Consistent moisture and stable temperatures are the biggest factors influencing successful germination.

Unlike many fruit species, goji berries generally do not require cold stratification. Once seedlings become established they grow rapidly during their first season before developing into productive perennial shrubs.

Growing Tips

• Plant in full sun for maximum berry production.
• Provide well-drained soil enriched with compost.
• Water regularly during establishment.
• Prune annually to encourage branching and higher yields.
• Mulch around the base to conserve moisture.
• Support young plants if branches become heavily loaded with fruit.

Harvesting Goji Berries

Shanghai Express Goji berries usually begin producing fruit during their second growing season, although vigorous plants occasionally produce a light first-year crop.

Harvest berries once they develop their characteristic bright orange-red colour and detach easily from the stems. The berries can be eaten fresh, dried for long-term storage, or added to smoothies, teas, baked goods, and trail mixes.

Quick Planting Instructions

• Start indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost.
• Plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
• Keep soil evenly moist.
• Provide moderate warmth during germination.
• Transplant outdoors after frost danger has passed.
• Grow in full sun.
• Space plants 90–120 cm apart.
• Prune yearly to encourage fruit production.

FAQs

How do you grow goji berry from seed?

Start goji berry seeds indoors about 4–6 weeks before your last frost. Sow them ¼ inch deep, keep the soil consistently moist, and provide warm temperatures until seedlings emerge. Transplant outdoors once frost danger has passed.

How long does goji berry seed germination take?

Goji berry seed germination usually takes between 10 and 14 days when temperatures remain warm and soil moisture is consistent.

Do goji berry seeds need stratification?

No. Unlike many fruit species, goji berry seeds generally do not require cold stratification before planting.

Can goji berries grow in Canada?

Yes. Shanghai Express Goji Berry is hardy to approximately Zone 4 and grows successfully throughout much of Canada when planted in a sunny location with well-drained soil.

When do goji berry plants produce fruit?

Most plants begin producing berries during their second growing season, although vigorous plants may produce a small crop sooner under ideal growing conditions.

Are goji berries easy to grow?

Yes. Once established, goji berries are drought tolerant, relatively low maintenance, attract pollinators, and produce fruit for many years.

Related Products

Looking to build your own edible fruit garden? Pair Shanghai Express Goji Berry with these popular varieties.

• Fresca Strawberry Seeds
• Ground Cherry Seeds
• Fruit Seeds Collection