Goji Berry vs Illini Hardy Blackberry - TreeTime.ca

Goji Berry vs Illini Hardy Blackberry

Rubus fruticosus Illini Hardy

Lycium barbarum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Illini Hardy Blackberry
Goji Berry

The Illini Hardy Blackberry was developed in Illinois for northern growers, and produces a large, juicy blackberry with medium-sweet flavor. The berries are ready for harvest in midsummer, and go great in preserves.

The Illini Hardy Blackberry, or the Illinois Blackberry, are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn’t require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

Goji Berry is a woody, deciduous perennial known for its hearty, bright orange-red berries. It typically produces light lavender flowers from June through September, with fruit maturation taking place between August and October.

Goji Berry berries are delicious, nutrient rich, high in antioxidants, and are often called a super fruit. Many describe their flavour as being like a tart cherry tomato.

Illini Hardy Blackberry Quick Facts

Goji Berry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: lavender or purple
Berries: black
Berries: small orange-red berries (1-2 cm) that are considered a "superfood". Berries ripen between July and October
Flavor: medium
Harvest: July
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: illinois blackberry
Other Names: goji, wolfberry