N1 Goji Strain

Doing some research, looking into the various strains and types of goji that exist.  There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet, but it seems that there are two different species of boxthorn, Lycium Chinense, and Lycium Barbarum.  Boxthorn is a very diverse family of shrubs that generally live in arid environments and usually have edible berries.

By far, the most common type of goji is the N1, or NQ1 type.  Berries from this type are cylindrical and are generally a lighter color red.  This is the strain that is under constant development by the agricultural industry in and around the Ninxia province in China.  Modern versions of this strain produce uniform berries with a larger size and the plants grow rapidly, sometimes producing berries in their first year of growth.  Older versions of this strain still exhibit genetic diversity, producing berries with more variation in size, shape and color.

N1 or NQ1 strain from Ningxia, China

Berries from this strain are also more durable, staying firm and edible and capable of being stored for long periods of time with provided refrigeration and humidity control.  This strain has been actively bred for productivity, fruit consistency, plant resilience, early maturation, etc. for over 20 years by trained professionals and by farmers in the area.

This strain is supposed to be a cross between older varieties namely "Da Ma Ye" and "Zao Ma Ye", but there is a proliferation of misinformation regarding this plant, even in printed literature.  If you know of a source of either of these two ancient varieties, please contact us, we are always collecting and propagating different varieties, both heirloom and agricultural varieties.

The proliferation of venders selling N1 plants or seeds as either of these two heirloom types is very frustrating.  Generally, anyone asking for a ridiculous quantity of money for a few seeds or a small plant is usually a scam artist.

In China, the most recent agricultural development is a strain known as N7, which is said to be reliable at producing fruit in it's first year if germinated and grown indoors before spring.


References:

• Goji Olympus - cultivation information including mycorrhizae
• Chinese Wolfberry - China.org.cn
• Botany Goji - an heirloom goji strain from Southwest Missouri
• Goji Scam - some discussion
• Goji plant information - basic botanic information
• Lycium Chinense - Monterey Bay Spice Company ($15/lb)
• Lycium Carolinianum - Growth patterns of Carolina Wolfberry in Texas salt marshes
• Wolfberry / Goji - Chinese goji product company
• Sorting Goji Seedlings - Scholarly article referencing growth rate of goji
• Lycium Carolinianum - Christmas berry. Carolina wolfberry
• Heirloom Goji - Richter's goji seeds.  oval leaf variety

Chinese Wolfberry Fruit         T3958 Lycium Chinense      GOU QI ZI
Chinese Wolfberry Leaf          T3957                                  GOU QI YE
Chinese Wolfberry Rootbark  T3956                                  GOU QI GEN PI
Ning Xia Wolfberry Fruit        T3955 Lycium Barbarum    NING XIA GOU QI ZI
Ning Xia Wolfberry Rootbark T3954