Lycium barbarum or Lycium chinense?

We hear questions again and again about the true varieties of Goji. But which variety is the real one? Lycium chinense originates from Hebei Province near Beijing. The fruits of Lycium chinense varieties taste sour and are not very suitable for processing. The tasty varieties come from further selection and breeding from the original wild species Lycium barbarum growing in northern China, mainly in the Ningxia Huy Autonomous Region.

The wild species Lycium barbarum commonly grows wild in the southern regions of Central Europe, you can see it in large numbers along country roads. However, it is unsuitable for cultivation and processing of products. These are plants that spread freely through birds.

The top varieties of Goji are the varieties "SWEET LIFEBERRY", "BIG LIFEBERRY" and "No.1 LIFEBERRY". These varieties are grown worldwide in production plantations and are cross-bred varieties from the original Lycium barbarum. They are designed to achieve high yields and produce large, tasty fruits. They will partially fruit in the first year of cultivation and will produce a full harvest in the second year after planting.

LYCIUM barbarum Big Lifeberry

It has strong growth, larger leaves and fruits. The plant height is 180-200 cm. It brings the harvest in the first year of cultivation. It is a medium-early variety, it begins to bloom in mid-July and the fruits ripen en masse at the turn of August and September. With this variety, expect a rich harvest and very large fruits, especially suitable for drying. It is a selection from Chinese varieties and is also suitable for commercial cultivation of Goji berries.

LYCIUM barbarum No.1 Lifeberry

A highly productive variety suitable for commercial cultivation. Selected for taste, active ingredient content and fertility. It comes from Chinese production plantations, mainly from the Ningxia region.

LYCIUM barbarum Sweet Lifeberry

This variety has a compact growth, fine shoots and smaller leaves. It bears abundantly and has sweet fruits. It will bring the first harvest in the first year after planting. It is the earliest variety, it starts blooming in June, with small purple flowers. The fruits ripen in August and taste equally good fresh as dried. The height of the plant in adulthood is 150-180 cm. This variety was created by selection from Chinese varieties and is also suitable for commercial cultivation of Goji berries.