Goumi Berry

Goumi are partially self-fertile and therefore will produce some fruit on their own. Keeping two goumi plants (of different variety) within 100 feet of one another will increase the number of fruit set and tend to increase the fruit size. If you order two or more goumi plants, we will be sure to send two different (but similar) varieties to ensure that they can act as pollinizers to one another, and increase your harvest.

Goumi berries thrive in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production. Placing them in a location with ample sunlight exposure ensures vigorous growth, abundant flowering, and the development of flavorful berries. However, they can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates, but reduced sunlight may lead to decreased fruit yield.

Goumi berries generally prefer well-drained soil and moderate moisture levels. Allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings helps to prevent issues with root-rot. A good way to test if your plant needs water is to stick your finger 3 inches down into the soil. If you don't feel much moisture, it's time to water. If your finger comes out damp, best to give it some more time before watering.

Soil health is one of the most important parts of growing potted fruit. For potted goumi berry plants, it's recommended to fertilize them in early spring just as new growth begins, and after the last frost of the year. You may want to fertilize it again in late spring or early summer, particularly if it has slow or stunted growth, pale or yellowing leaves, or is not producing flowers or fruit as expected.

Chill hours are the time that many fruit plants need between the temperatures of 32°F and 45°F over the course of a year in order to produce fruit. Goumi berries need between 250 and 500 chill hours to produce a good harvest of berries. As this is a tricky element to track, we suggest referring to the Shrubb Simple map to understand if your area is likely to have enough chill hours for this plant.

Goumi berries are typically ready for harvest in late spring to early summer when they reach a vibrant red color and are slightly soft to the touch. To harvest, gently grasp the ripe berries and pluck them from the stem. After picking, goumi berries can be eaten fresh, used in jams, jellies, or preserves, or dried for later use. Store fresh berries in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer-term storage.

The best time to prune goumi berries is during their dormant season in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. When pruning, focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Aim to maintain an open, vase-shaped structure, removing any inward-growing branches and promoting outward growth to encourage fruit production. Avoid heavy pruning, as goumi berries bear fruit on old wood, and excessive cutting may reduce the following year's harvest.

Pests and disease often vary greatly by region. Often times goumi berries can be a real treat for birds, so simple bird-net over your bush should do the trick if they start stealing your berries. In terms of insects and disease, neem oil can combat many problems. If you are unsure, send us a photo of your plant and the problem, and we'll do our best to identify it and suggest more specific solutions!