Fact Sheet from the Just Fruits and Exotics Nursery
by Brandy Cowley Gilbert




Mulberry Trees


Ripe and unripe fruit

At one time, the Mulberry was one of the most treasured fruit trees on the homestead. Planted around outbuildings and livestock pens, they were valued as beautiful, useful and lush shade trees. Mulberries needed no care, and reliably produced bucketfuls of delicious fruit. When the berries were harvested in spring, much time was spent preserving and storing the bounty. Opening a jar of mulberry jam or delicious dried mulberry raisins in the depths of winter was a true pleasure. Even spicy wines were made from the delicious and versatile Mulberry. Mulberries prefer well-drained soils and part to full sun.

Mulberries in the Landscape
Mulberries make the most fabulous shade trees- tall, elegant and fast growing. Or, for a truly cool addition to your garden, plant a weeping mulberry and train it into a living playhouse for your kids. A simple framework and some judicious pruning will provide a playhouse and sweet treats within reach of the little ones at your house.

Planting and Culture

Site Selection

Well-drained, deep soils are preferred, but mulberry will grow on many soil types if good drainage is provided. Trees do not tolerate flooding. Trees will grow more vigorously and produce more fruit in full sun.

Soil Preparation and Planting

Mulberry prefers slightly acid soil (pH 5.5-6.5), but soils of up to moderate alkalinity are readily tolerated. If you are in doubt about the acidity of your soil, take a soil sample to the Cooperative Extension Agent in your county for a soil test. Dig a planting hole approximately three times the width of the pot and at the same depth as the root ball. Set that soil aside and mix it 50/50 with either aged mushroom compost, aged manure, or rotted pine bark & aged manure/compost. Remove the plant from the pot, gently loosen the root ball and place in the planting hole. To avoid burying too deep, make sure plant is positioned with the top most roots at the soil line. Fill the planting hole with the mix of soil and organic matter; gently tamp it in. Water thoroughly to settle the roots and eliminate air pockets. Do NOT put fertilizer in the planting hole. Only apply fertilizer if it is the correct time of year (see Fertilization section below).

If desired, construct a water basin around the base of the tree approximately 36 inches in diameter. Mulch in spring and summer with approximately 4-6 inches of mulch. Pull mulch a couple of inches away from the trunk for good air circulation.

Fertilization
The type of fertilizer you choose may be chemical or organic. Make sure that the fertilizer contains iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, copper and boron. These minor elements are very important to plants and most soils are low in these elements. Application rates vary according to age of plant. See chart below.

10-10-10 or 10-0-10
with minerals
1 cup per each year of tree’s life
- Max out at 9 cups for Mature tree
Espoma Citrus Tone
(Organic)
6 cups for 1 year old
10 cups for 2 year old (4-6ft)
18 cups for 7-9ft tree
24 cups for tree over 9ft

Spread the fertilizer evenly under the entire canopy of the plant avoiding a 5-inch area around the trunk. Water or rake in. For Zones 8a-10, fertilize 3 times each year in late February, late May and late July/early August. For plants further north (Zones 5-7), fertilize in March or after bud break. Never fertilize after August (June in Zones 5-7) as this will promote new growth late in the year which will be subject to freeze damage.

Water
The first year is a critical time for the establishment of a new mulberry. Water thoroughly twice a week on light soils and once a week on clay soils. Soak the entire root system deeply – this usually takes 40-50 minutes. Mulberry trees should receive at least 1 inch of water each week for best growth and fruit production. Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Fruit may drop prematurely if insufficiently irrigated during dry spells.

Pruning and Care

Mulberries have few pests and diseases. White peach scale attacks the twigs and trunks of trees and may kill them. Dormant oil sprays in the winter are an effective and organic control. Trees fruit on the last flush of the previous year’s growth. Prune in winter to remove dead, diseased or crossing branches. Trees can also be pruned in the summer to control the height of the trees and create thicker hedges by heading back long branches half way. Stop summertime pruning in mid summer to allow the tree to set next year’s fruit buds.

Harvest
Fruit should be allowed to thoroughly ripen on the tree for best quality and flavor. Harvest by shaking the branches over a clean sheet in May.

Mulberry Jam
Combine 9 cups crushed mulberries with 6 cups sugar. Bring slowly to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves. Cook rapidly to, or close to, the jellying point (depending upon whether you want soft or firm jam). As mixture thickens, stir frequently to prevent sticking. Pour into jars and either store in the refrigerator or process following manufacturer's instructions. Yield: 3-4 pints



Back to
Black Mulberry Page
Red Mulberry Page
White Mulberry Page



Bibliography

Cowley Gilbert, Brandy. "Mulberry Tree." www.justfruitsandexotics.com/JFE/product-category/fruit-trees/mulberry/#lightbox/0/. Accessed 25 Oct. 2017.

Photographs

Cowley Gilbert, Brandy. www.justfruitsandexotics.com/JFE/product-category/fruit-trees/mulberry/#lightbox/0/. Accessed 25 Oct. 2017.
 
Published 25 Oct. 2017 LR
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