Mulberry trees are low-maintenance plants that thrive in their perennial zone. To maintain a healthy mulberry tree, it is essential to select the right cultivar, plant it in full sun or partial shade, and provide proper sunlight, rich, well-draining soil, regular watering, and appropriate fertilization. Pruning, mulching, and controlling pests and diseases are also crucial.
To grow mulberry trees, choose a tree that will grow in your region and fit into your garden. Plant in early spring, stake while young, and keep watered during dry spells for the first two to three years until well established. Harvest the mulberries as soon as they’re ripe.
Mulberry trees can thrive in both full sun and partial shade conditions, ideally getting at least four hours of direct sun per day. Water newly planted mulberry trees regularly from spring to autumn for the first few years, and established trees should not need additional watering except during dry spells. In the spring, treat the tree with mulch or well-rotted manure, and feed the tree with a general-purpose fertiliser towards the end of winter.
Plant mulberry trees in full sun with no less than 15 feet (5 m.) between trees, ideally in warm, well-draining soil such as deep loam. Water deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season to help establish their roots. Mulch with compost around the base of the tree to feed the soil and suppress weed growth.
For optimal growth, choose a full sun position in free draining soil with a slightly acidic pH or look for dwarf mulberry trees to grow in large pots.
📹 45 days to 4x your Mulberry Tree Harvest!
With limited amount of space, I need to maximize the harvest I get from my Everbearing Mulberry Tree. I learned a technique …
How to look after a mulberry tree?
Mulberry trees should be watered regularly from spring to autumn for the first few years, with established trees not needing additional watering except during droughts or in free-draining soil. Mulberry trees in containers need regular watering throughout the growing season, especially in summer. After feeding, apply a mulch of organic matter around the base to hold moisture and deter weeds. To boost fruiting, feed mulberries with a high potassium general fertiliser in early spring, scattering one handful per square meter/yard around trees growing in bare soil and one-and-a-half around those in lawns.
What do you feed mulberry leaves?
Silkworms are primarily nourished by mulberry leaves, although other foliage is also employed as a food source, with mulberry being the most commonly utilized feed.
Can mulberry be grown in pots?
Choose dwarf or compact mulberry tree varieties for pots with good drainage, at least 50-60cm wide and deep. An old half-wine barrel with drainage holes is ideal. Fill the pot with a premium potting mix like Scotts Osmocote Rose, Gardenia, Azalea, and Camellia Mix. Firm down the soil around the tree and water it well to settle its roots. Mulch the top of the soil to retain moisture and easily water during hot summer months.
How do I grow a lot of mulberries?
Mulberries should be planted in a sunny location sheltered from salty winds, with soil enriched with rotted manure, worm castings, or compost. They can grow and fruit in poor soils, but should be planted in a spot where the staining fruit won’t cause trouble. Avoid planting them next to decks, paving, or clotheslines. After identifying a suitable location, dig a hole twice the volume of the potted plant and enrich the soil with compost, worm castings, or well-rotted manure.
Stake the mulberry for the first year to protect it from wind damage, and provide good water every week during summer until it has fully established. Mulch around the tree’s base and give it a feed every springtime with organic fertiliser.
Do mulberries like water?
For plants in the ground, it is essential to provide an inch of water per week over the root zone, equivalent to about ¾ to one gallon per square foot of soil surface area. Mulberries may require more water to become established as quickly as other fruit trees. Apply this water once a week, two times per week if soil is fast draining, depending on your conditions and the plants you are growing.
Do not water lightly each day, as this results in a wet surface and dry root zone area. The soil should be moist but not soggy to a depth of about a foot for most growing plants. In hotter and sunnier areas, a mulch of straw or bark can help ease the burden of summer watering.
For plants in containers, water until the soil is saturated and water comes out of the drainage holes. Let the container dry until the soil is dry to the touch 1 to 2 inches down (more deep with deeper pots) and the container is lighter in weight. A plant that has wilted can be receiving either too much or too little water.
In rainy areas like the Pacific Northwest, most plants will need relatively little supplemental irrigation once they are well established in the ground and have had a chance to develop a good root system. In drier areas or where soils do not retain water well, permanent irrigation is essential.
To ensure good steady growth and high productivity, trees need adequate amounts of various mineral nutrients. Some people may have naturally rich fertile soil, which can be an efficient way to deliver water.
What is the life span of a mulberry plant?
The mulberry tree has various shapes, including saggy or droopy, and can have a short life span of 25-50 years. While some can live up to 75 years, most have a lifespan of 25-50 years. The page you requested cannot be found due to factors such as location, URL misspelling, or the Office of Information Technology Services help desk. To find the desired information, use the search menu or contact the help desk.
What is the best fertilizer for mulberries?
To facilitate plant growth, it is recommended to utilize Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver and Plant Fertilizer at six- to eight-week intervals, and Yates Thrive Citrus Liquid Plant Food at biweekly intervals during the flowering and fruiting stages. It is recommended that smaller pot varieties, such as the Dwarf Mulberry Black or Red Shahtoot, be selected, positioned in full sun, and partially filled with quality potting mix.
Does mulberry grow fast?
Mulberry seedlings exhibit rapid growth, which can make it challenging to maintain the necessary pace of cultivation. Trees cultivated in a state of root development prior to transplantation exhibit superior root systems and attain a greater size.
How often should I water mulberry?
Mulberry tree watering depends on factors like tree age, soil type, and climate. Newly planted trees should be watered deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season to establish their root system. Mature trees may need a deep watering every 2-3 weeks. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases, so it’s crucial to avoid heavy rain or excessive moisture. Consistent and moderate watering is essential for maintaining a healthy mulberry tree, and monitoring soil moisture levels and adjusting watering frequency can ensure optimal growth and fruit production.
How long does mulberry take to fruit?
Mulberry trees, grown from seed, start to fruit in the 5th or 6th year, while cultivar whips should start in the 2nd or 3rd year. Younger trees can yield 3-5 kg in the first 2-4 years, while mature trees can produce over 300 kg of fruit. To harvest, hold a net under and shake the branches, as the fruits ripen at different stages. If coppicing or pollarding the tree, wait a year for the tree to start producing again, as flowering buds are borne on the second year growth.
Does mulberry like sun?
Mulberries thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and can withstand drought and salt conditions, making them suitable for urban or seaside planting. They prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade. Planting mulberries near walkways, driveways, or dwellings can cause staining of the dark fruits. Mulberries can be planted overhanging chicken yards, as chickens, turkeys, pigs, and herbaceous fish are fond of them.
To plant a mulberry tree, dig a bushel-sized hole, spread roots, return topsoil, mix compost with soil, and water the hole. Tamp the soil lightly to remove air pockets around the roots. When the hole is full, form a rimmed “bowl” of soil around the tree and water thoroughly. Water the tree once a week throughout the first year, unless it receives an inch of rain per week. Mulch at least 2 feet around the tree trunk to reduce grass competition. Mulberries are fast-growing and require little fertilizer.
📹 How to Grow ~ Mulberry Tree
If you live in South Florida and want to grow berries, this is the one! You won’t find them in stores because they have an extremely …
Awhile back I asked you about my mulberry that had stopped growing. You suggested a hard prune. It stopped at about 4′ and I took it down to 18″ before it leafed out in the spring. It’s grown more in the least 4 months than it has in the previous 4 years. Thank you for taking the time to answer! I guess I’ll try this next 😁
Thanks for sharing! I figured this out by accident a couple weeks ago when I trimmed the top of my new Everbearing Mulberry. I didn’t remove any leaves, but I did cut every single new sprout. in effect, it made it sprout out of every bud still on the branches and would produce more berries each time. Now, I have been waiting for each new branch to bud out a couple inches, then I cut those every couple weeks.It just keeps making more berries! It seems that every time you cut a branch, it forces it to fruit!
one thing you can try is : in the winter time but florida has no winter so hard to say. Year 1, prune to the base cut it to the base. (should shoot up multiple shoots) Year 2, prune slightly above 1 foot or so or where you have 3 favored branches. Year 3 maybe prune possibly around those 3 main branches to open up growths. That way it grows more naturally like a tree and not seem like a vine. Another idea is to prune it to 5 feet for ease of harvesting. Just an idea. they say 5 feet spacing between mulberry trees. Also the cuttings can propagate to future trees as well. So get some root stock and clone away. I am going to convert 60 acres of dry land into a mulberry forrest if i can and see how well my goats do to not kill the younger trees.
I found this great article trying to identify a tree by the one leaf remaining on it growing next to my house wondering if I should chop it, dig it and bonsai in the spring. I hadn’t even seen a mulberry before moving to ohio 20 years ago. My neighbors had a giant old tree in the back yard and a small very old weeping mulberry in the front yard. I finally took cuttings and glad I did as they sadly chopped the giant for garden space. I feel like I saved that old tree, now it’s a cute little tiny clump style pre bonsai. I hope I can keep it alive thru the winter. I might have to obtain some cuttings in the spring to grow food and use this awesome technique!
…thanks for the article…yes that is how we do it here in the Philippines,to force mulberry to fruit…but of course you can choice if you want your mulberry to fruit in its natural way…like what you did let your old mulberry fruit by its own…and select other tree for force fruiting by cutting branches and pruning leaves….thanks for sharing your trial…
What a great time lapse tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing this great technique and showing us the weekly progress. So amazed at how fast it pushed the new leaf buds out and even more impressed by the abundant fruit flush. I just planted two mulberries and have two more to put in the ground. They are all going to get this treatment tomorrow! (If it weren’t already dark out, I’d be doing it right now! Lol) Thanks again for sharing this trick to get a better yield and better fruit to boot. 😋
I gave this a try and it worked well. We only planted our mulberry tree in March… I think. It came with small mulberries and small leaves. The leaves also had rust looking spots that spread to every leaf. About 3 or 4 weeks ago I cut off all of the leaves and removed some branches. The leaves have grown back and are much bigger than before plus there are no spots. There are a couple of mulberries starting and they already look bigger than the previous mulberries.
I’m so glad I got to talk to you last weekend at plantapalooza, all of your advice is always super helpful! So thank you so much for taking time to answer all of my questions 🤦🏼♀️ I have decided to go with blueberries, and papayas for now, as well as starting some pineapple tops just for fun, and maybe add something else later, we’ll see. But I also wanted to give an update on my mulberry since I did this and was telling you nothing had happened. Well I’m looking today, I’ve got at least 10 bright green buds coming up and it looks like lots more on the way! 👏🏻 So I’m so glad I watched this article! I’m learning so much! Thank you again for all of your help
Just came across this article. Great thanks. Going to do the same on. My mulberries. Just a note. I bought 2 jujube trees, some animal,ate all the leaves and half of each branch,on both,in my potted Orchid. SAME result, i thought they would die .BUT weeks later, all new leaves and regrown branches. And it’s 200 percent bigger. IT REALLY. WoRKS. Thanks.
I’m so glad I watched this, what an amazing method. I am in Pinellas also and have a dwarf everbearing mulberry that I purchased from Elise at urban harvest not quite a year ago. It’s over 4’ tall now, but no fruit and it looks like the leaves are turning brown now. I’m going to try this method this weekend and see what happens. 🤞🏻Thanks
I am excited to give this a try! My Everbearing really only gave me that first flush when the weather warmed up. It is tall and gangly for a new tree. I keep telling my husband that I should give it a hard prune and propagate new trees with the cuttings. I’m going to do it tonight!! I also love how yours filled out. Do you use any fertilizers or mulch with your Mulberries?
Grow Mulberry trees in full sunlight. Kill the completion/ie the lawn 10 feet around the tree. Plant more trees. Plant one Mulberry tree 10 feet from septic tank and leach drain, that can be your neighbours leach drain and septic tank. Once roots start deep organic feeding, you will have more Mulberries than you can eat after 5-7 years. Give your Mulberry tree a hard prune, if it’s not growing. Irrigate in the summertime
I bought a mulberry plant from Amazon originally thinking it was a mulberry bush ( just wanted to plant a fruit plant. Wasn’t paying attention) lol surprised it turned I a tree in 8 months from pot to back yard It’s already porch roof tall and gave a good amount of berries already. Was going to buy more? But thanks to your article I am going to propagate more as learning from your vide. Thanks and I hope you have the best of luck in all your endeavors Rob from St. Augustine
Amazing! I have a mulberry bush that I got after perusal your articles. I had it in a pot and was doing ok. I planted in a north esas sunny location and is doing better. I amended the soil w compost, bone meal, blood meal and at the beginning it’s leaves eww small but it fruited a lot. It’s been several months and I noticed the leaves are getting bigger. The fruit is tart sometimes and small. I don’t know about this fruit or if this is normal. I realize that I “over loved” the plant w the amendment since it is a Fl native but this was my experience. Loved this article. I am trying to grow stuff. I should try bananas. I live in South Fl, Miami suburb and my dirt is mayaca (hope I am writing it right). I have learned a lot from your articles. I even got a coral color tank that says “WILD FLORIDIAN” since I want to be “wild” 😆
I wonder if this would work with ours? We planted Spring 2023, and it grew to ajout 8ft tall by winter time, but then it got some bad sunburn cracks down the bark in January when we had a 15° freeze followed by a week near the 70s (weird up here in Oregon). I had to cut it way back, but thankfully it didnt seem to bother it too much. However, not a single flower has even shown up this season. We have about 60 days till our first chance of frost, so maybe we could push it?
Great article. Is this Illinois everbearing? Doesn’t look like Thai because leaves are much smaller. I tried this technic on my freshly planted (March of this year) Pakistani and didn’t get any berries, got great growth though. So I’m thinking either it doesn’t work on not everbearing mulberries (even though Mr. Wilson, the author of original 45-day method article, from Philippines says you can do it on any mulberry) Or it just doesn’t have enough root structure to support both growth and berries yet. Will try again end of summer and next year. I’m glad it worked on yours though! Florida zone 10b
Does this work for other mulberries too? I have a Shangra la, I just planted in early spring. It gave me great berries and it is over 6′ tall now…kinda afraid to cut it. It started out as a stick from the nursery and now the leaves are bigger than my head! 🤣 It would be nice to get another crop of berries though in the summer. 😁
I recently bought some mulberry cuttings and used the powder hormone stuff on them I have them in pots for the moment because the FL sun is no joke here so I keep them inside they started to show signs of growth new buds then kinda stopped some I think might have died what should I do to save the ones I have?
I live in Thailand and the Thais have been doing this forever. Another thing you might try is bending and tieing the the branches down horizontal. Some use blocks to tie to, I just tie back to the trunk with string. Here is a link to what it looks like youtube.com/watch?v=Nk51oU1howk&ab_channel=HungerMami
wow is something wrong with the genetics of that tree or what! i have two mulberry trees i just bought from the nursery last month, and they are pencil thin, about four feet high, i think around 2 years old but not quite sure, and every single day for the last week or two i have been able to harvest a bowls worth of ripe berries. i’m so excited to watch these things grow. back in the early 90s i had a mulberry tree and ate off it as a kid.
hello, i have a question and its hard to me because we bought the property we are living in southern ca tree months ago and we have 5 white mulberry trees i been taking care of them and they started having some fungus on them, i been treating them with cooper fungicide and neem oil but they never produced fruit i want to save them so bad, i have been spending so much time with them and i love them i dont want to loose them. i just want to make sure they are okay and what to do for them. do you have any advise for me ?
Never knew. I’ve almost killed 3 small mulberry trees because missed 1-2 days watering (dry, 100⁰). At least 1 lost most of its leaves, but has yet to yield berries 2yrs later. Other 2 smalls no berries either. One larger one, few berries. Other larger one nothing. Two huge ones, some but not enough to do anything with.