When to Plant Goji Berries in Dunklin County, MO
Goji berries are a deciduous shrub producing small, bright red berries valued as a superfood. The plants are extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
Dunklin County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 1,344 feet, Dunklin County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Goji Berries during the growing season.
Dunklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Dunklin County
How your county's soil matches Goji Berries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) is more acidic than Goji Berries prefers (6.5–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dunklin County is excellent for Goji Berries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Goji Berries.
How to Plant Goji Berries
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Goji Berries
Goji Berries needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Goji Berries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Dunklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Goji Berries Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Goji Berries Planting Timeline — Dunklin County, MO
Goji Berries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
· 48" apart · Rows 72" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–8 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Dunklin County
Growing Tips for Goji Berries in Dunklin County
Direct sow Goji Berries outdoors after March 27 in Dunklin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 220.0-day growing season in Dunklin County is tight for Goji Berries (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Goji Berries in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Prune annually to manage the arching, somewhat wild growth habit. Berries ripen over an extended period in summer and fall. Can be trellised.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Goji Berries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Goji Berries in Dunklin County, MO?
Dunklin County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Goji Berries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dunklin County, MO?
Dunklin County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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