How To Grow Mulberries, That Long-Lived & Prolific Edimental Fruit Tree, Grown For Ornamental Beauty And Delicious Fruit. Discover More Here As I Delve Into Mulberries.
Table of Contents
With its sweet, blackberry-like berries and attractive foliage, this tree is a valuable addition to any garden, for visual appeal or fruit quality. Both there are three sorts of mulberry and even Kings mistake them! Discover more on How To Grow Mulberries Below.
A Tree with a Rich History
Native to Asia, the white mulberry (Morus alba) is renowned for its role in silk production. The red mulberry (Morus rubra) hails from North America, prized for its timber. However, it’s the black mulberry (Morus nigra) that has captured the hearts of gardeners in the UK and Europe. Packed with antioxidants, these dark, juicy fruits are a true summer treat.
The Mulberry Courtly Cockup – (NOT) How To Grow Mulberries
Before the reign of Henry Vlll mulberries were grown in monasteries. The dissolution of the monasteries led top the demise of many mulberries but another king then turned that tide. James I wanted to compete with Italian and French silk production so imported huge numbers of mulberries trees so the county could breed and rear silk worms. It was a masterplan that was as cunning as those devised by Baldric.
Why?
Because he imported the black mulberry and silkworms prefer the white mulberry!
But this courtly cockup means we now have a good number of mulberries producing fruit in the UK. But none are grown commercially as the fruit lasts such a short time after harvest. I’m talking hours rather than weeks or months for apples and pears.
We have two mulberries growing in our food forest and the crop in 2024 was very good. Plenty of fruit despite inclement weather.
Choosing the Right Mulberry
When selecting a mulberry tree for your garden, consider the available space. For larger gardens, varieties like ‘King White’ and ‘Charlton House’ offer impressive fruit yields and attractive foliage. If space is limited, opt for a dwarf variety like ‘Charlotte Russe’.
Mulberry Chelsea aka King James and Jerusalem are both female and self fertile. Both have won the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
Mulberry ‘Charlton House’ is a large female tree and is testament to the fact that many large houses had their own mulberries, which have been cloned and. like this one, is sold by many plant producers and seed companies.
Dwarf Mulberry ‘Charlotte Russe’: Perfect for containers or small gardens as it only grows to 1.5 metres and produces fruit over a long season. It was the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year in 2017.
Mulberry Planting and Care
Whether you choose a standard or dwarf variety, proper planting is essential.
Planting in the ground: Select a sunny spot and dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Amend the soil with compost and plant the tree. Some people suggest you stake the tree for support. I’m however convinced that trees are best not steed as they depend on the stake. If necessary stake it very low so the top can move in the wind. This promotes better root development and a more robust crown. If the tree is too tall and “whippy” prune it back to a more manageable size. It will soon regrow and benefit from the pruning.
Container growing: Use a large pot with a porous potting mix. ensure the pot is raised enough to drain. Place the container in a sunny location.
Mulberry trees are relatively low-maintenance. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, is essential in the early days but not so important once established .. it might take a few years on some soils.
Pruning Mulberry Trees
While minimal pruning is normally necessary you should remove any dead or diseased branches in winter and cut to shape when necessary. One of our trees is getting very tall and will get a good haircut in late autumn, once the leaves are off it.
Though I say minimal pruning is necessary the tree can be shaped as an espalier. It can even be grown as a coppice if this suits you better. It is a very tolerant plant!
Mulberry Pollination
Elsewhere I have said that several varieties are female and self fertile. Let me be clearer. Mulberries are normal wind pollinated, though insects can help sometimes. They can pollinate themselves and don’t need another plant .. though pollen from another plant will not be wasted and can be used to pollinate the flowers.
How Long Do Mulberry Trees Take To Grow
They grow from the day you plant them! But perhaps we should look at when they fruit.
Some crop within 2-3 years but some take up to 8-10 years. Grafted plants are much faster to crop, whilst seedlings take longer.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Mulberry Crop
Mulberry trees typically start fruiting a few years after planting. Patience is key! Once your tree begins to produce, you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of delicious berries. The great thing is that they are self fertile so little needs doing.
Harvesting: Mulberries ripen unevenly, so multiple harvests may be necessary. Gently shake the tree to dislodge ripe berries onto a sheet laid out below. Alternatively, carefully pick ripe berries by hand.
Enjoying your harvest: Mulberries are best eaten fresh, but they can also be frozen, dried, or used in jams, pies,and other desserts. Their rich, sweet flavor adds a unique touch to many recipes.
Pests and Diseases
Mulberry trees are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, birds can be a nuisance when the fruit ripens. you can protect your crop with netting or take alternative action.
Download the Mulberry infographic by clicking this link
