Welcome to the world of the Morus alba, better known as the Mulberry Tree! This tree might not be as famous as an oak or maple, but it’s a superstar when it comes to growing quickly, producing tasty berries, and being low-maintenance. People have been growing mulberries for ages—not just for their juicy, sweet fruits but also because they’re great for feeding silkworms.
Mulberry trees are perfect for backyards since they’re easy to plant, can handle different climates, and don’t need tons of special care. Plus, they’re a great way to attract birds and add some shade to your yard.
Popular Mulberry Varieties
Care
- Water: Mulberry trees like well-drained soil, but they do need regular watering when young. Once mature, they can handle drier conditions, but watering during dry spells helps with fruit production.
- Light: Mulberries thrive in full sunlight, so plant them somewhere with at least 4 hours of direct sun daily. They can manage in partial shade but might produce fewer berries.
- Soil: These trees aren’t picky about soil but prefer a well-drained mix. Adding compost or organic matter can boost growth and help the tree stay healthy.
- Temperature: Mulberry trees love warm weather and do best between 68-86°F (20-30°C). They can handle frost too.
Planting & Growing
Mulberry trees are pretty easy to grow, whether you start with cuttings or seeds. For cuttings, snip 6- to 8-inch branches in spring, dip the ends in rooting hormone, and plant them in small pots with soil. Keep them in the shade and covered with a plastic bag until they root—usually about a month. After that, you can move them to a sunny spot and plant them in your garden by fall.
To grow from seeds, soak the seeds in water for a day or two, then chill them in a damp paper towel in the fridge for three months. After chilling, plant the seeds in a pot with soil and peat moss, and keep them warm and watered. When they sprout, give each seed its own pot with full sunlight. By the following year, the young trees will be ready to go outside.
Pruning
Pruning mulberry trees helps keep their size manageable and makes it easier to pick the fruit without needing a ladder. It also boosts healthy growth, strengthens the branches, and can increase fruit production. Mulberry trees don’t need to be pruned every year—every two years is enough to keep them in good shape.
The best time to prune is in late winter when the tree is dormant. This timing helps protect against diseases and lets the tree heal faster. Be careful with bigger cuts (over 2 inches in diameter), as they take longer to heal, and mulberries can “bleed” sap. For more detailed tips and tricks on pruning, check out our full guide below!
Common Pests
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best conditions for mulberries?
Mulberries do best in deep, well-drained soil that’s enriched with compost or manure. Plant them in a sunny, sheltered spot with enough space to grow wide.
How often do you water mulberries?
Water young mulberry trees deeply once or twice a week during their first growing season. Mature trees need less, but a deep watering every 2-3 weeks during the growing season can help.
What temperature can mulberry tolerate?
Mulberries can handle very cold temperatures, down to -30°F (-34°C). They need some winter chill time, so they aren’t great for super-hot climates.
How do I get more fruit from mulberries?
Mulberries grow super fast, doubling in size yearly. To encourage more berries, try pulling off all the leaves—this tricks the tree into thinking it’s time to produce more.
