Goumi Berry Garden Guide

Goumi Berry Care At A Glance

Medium to large sized shrubs grow 4 to 6 feet high and wide.
Plants are self-fruiting but can produce more and larger fruits with cross-pollination.
First fruit crops usually 2-3 years from planting.
Require well-drained, medium to rich soils, in full sun to part shade.
Fruits are high in vitamins C, A, and E with antioxidants for fresh eating, drying, or in baking.

Amend existing soil appropriately with organic material to help improve drainage.
Soak roots for 8 to 24 hours prior to planting to rehydrate.
Plant with the crown even with or just below the natural soil grade, making sure to not cover the crown.
Tip prune existing branches by 1/3 to 1/2 for all woody bareroot shrubs.
Properly water new plants using the 1 inch per week rule for the entire first growing season.
Cage or protect as needed to prevent predation from deer or rodents.

NOTE: Proper drainage is critical for fruit-bearing plants to do well long-term. Do not use potting soil.

1 inch of water equates to about 2.5-3 gallons every other day.
Remove competitive grass & weeds and apply 2-3 inches of mulch or compost around the plant.

Goumi berries are Elaeagnus multiflora, commonly known as Silverberry or Gumi, hardy to zones 5-9.
Extremely adaptable and easy-to-grow, slightly thorny shrubs have the unique ability to fix nitrogen to benefit themselves and other adjacent plants.
White blooms in May form iridescent red up to 1/2-inch fruits in late June to July.
Plants are self-fruitful but will produce more and better-quality fruits with the cross-pollination of 2 or more plants.
Excellent pollinator-attracting shrubs make good orchard companion plants.

Allow plants to grow for 2 years with little to no pruning.
Lifting lower branches helps to keep eventual fruits up off the ground.
When mature, prune as needed during early spring dormancy thinning old wood to maintain center open habit.

Little to no pest or major disease issues.
Like other fruiting trees and shrubs, protect from potential deer or rodent predation.

Little to no fertilizer is needed.
Top-dress plants in spring and again in summer with 2-4 inches of compost or manure/compost blend.
Periodic applications of phosphorus-based organic fertilizers such as bone meal or rock phosphate can help enhance flower and fruit production.