Mulberries are often overlooked, but this fruit tree has a lot to offer. Its delectable fruit can be used in a variety of dishes, from wine to sorbet, making it an excellent choice for gardeners. While some people may avoid mulberries due to their reputation for being messy and invasive, with proper planning and care, they can thrive in your yard. The key is understanding the tree’s needs and how it will fit into your landscape.
The fruit of the mulberry tree resembles a long blackberry and comes in both sweet and tart varieties. It’s also worth noting that the tree itself has several uses – its wood can be used for fencing and furniture making, while the fruit has medicinal properties and can even be used as a natural dye. When it comes to growing mulberries, the Moraceae family, which includes figs and breadfruits, is home to this underrated fruit tree.
In North America, both native and Asian varieties are found, with the red variety being native and the purple and white ones originating from Asia. The history of mulberries in North America dates back to 1621 when industrious settlers brought them over from China in an attempt to start a silk trade in Virginia. Although the industry didn’t take off, the trees remained, and today they continue to thrive.
In our next section, we’ll explore the best type of tree for your yard, where to plant it, and how to care for your mulberry.
Best Mulberry Varieties
Mulberries showcase a vibrant array of colors, encompassing white, red, black, and purple hues. The most flavorful variety is often found in black mulberries, while red types tend to be more robust and tolerant of partial shade. In contrast, white mulberries exhibit a milder, slightly bitter flavor profile. When selecting which mulberry to cultivate, it’s essential to opt for varieties that don’t exhibit invasive tendencies.
Illinois Everbearing
My personal favorite among this variety is renowned for its exceptional sweet flavor, with juicy black fruits ripening during July and August. Notably, it’s incredibly resilient, able to thrive in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius and even withstand zone 4 conditions. In a remarkable display of tenacity, one instance of mine survived a tornado, only to still produce fruit the following year despite being flattened on the ground.
Oscar
The Oscar grapevine is a stunning red-purple variety that has gained popularity among winemakers. Unlike some other varieties like Illinois, Oscar’s hardiness level isn’t quite as impressive, but it excels in zones 5-9. One of its most notable characteristics is its exceptional productivity – it produces an abundance of fruit and is often favored for jam-making due to its early and bountiful harvest.
California White
This sought-after sweet white variety has culinary enthusiasts flocking to markets in pursuit of its prized fruit. While the berries themselves are slightly smaller than black raspberries, the compact tree that produces them is surprisingly resilient, thriving in arid conditions and sandy soils alike. One of its most appealing attributes, however, lies in its stain-free nature – a characteristic that opens up a world of planting possibilities.
Dwarf Black
When considering the Dwarf Black apple tree, its compact nature makes it an excellent option for those working with limited space. It thrives in orchards surrounded by dwarf trees or even in containers, reaching a manageable height of 8–10 feet. While it may not boast the same level of sweetness as some other varieties, its hardiness and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any garden.
Weeping
For those looking to incorporate visually striking elements into their edible landscapes, weeping mulberries are an excellent choice. While these plants can be fruit-bearing, it’s not a guarantee – but that’s part of their charm. When selecting a weeping mulberry for your design, be sure to opt for a female specimen to ensure the best results.
Beautiful Day
The Beautiful Day tree stands out for its unique characteristics. Unlike other varieties, it doesn’t have the tendency to spread uncontrollably and overpower nearby plants. Instead, it produces an abundance of sweet, white fruit that measures about 1 inch in diameter. What’s more, these fruits don’t leave behind any unsightly stains, making them a great choice for gardeners looking to add some flavor without sacrificing aesthetics.
How To Plant Mulberries
While cultivating mulberries is relatively straightforward, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the basics before diving in. With the right knowledge and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to successfully growing these delicious berries.
When to Plant
Where to Plant
Mulberries often receive a bad reputation due to being planted in suboptimal locations. Some varieties are notorious for producing berries that stain, while others can spread their roots an astonishing 100 feet or more, making it crucial not to plant them near sidewalks, driveways, irrigation systems, or patios. Furthermore, the trees themselves can grow quite tall – up to 80 feet in some cases – so careful planning is essential.
The branches of mulberry trees are also prone to brittleness and may drop in strong winds, making it wise to consider planting them near a livestock enclosure where fallen twigs and berries can be devoured by animals such as chickens, hogs, and goats.
Sun
These plants typically require direct sunlight to flourish, although certain cultivars can tolerate partial shade conditions. In fact, some varieties even excel in this type of environment.
Growing Zone
Spacing Mulberries
When planting trees, it’s essential to consider the spacing between them to ensure optimal growth and development. For standard-sized trees, a general rule of thumb is to space them 20-25 feet apart. This allows for sufficient sunlight penetration, air circulation, and room for the trees to expand their root systems without competing with each other. In contrast, dwarf trees can thrive in much closer proximity, typically requiring only around 10 feet of separation from one another.
By keeping these spacing guidelines in mind, you’ll be able to create a well-balanced and thriving tree arrangement.
Soil Requirements
When it comes to growing mulberries, it’s essential to provide them with the right environment. Specifically, they thrive in soils that are consistently moist but not waterlogged, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. This narrow window of optimal conditions allows the trees to absorb necessary nutrients and water efficiently.
Planting Mulberries
When planting a mulberry tree, treat it similarly to other fruit trees. Start by digging a hole that’s at least twice the size of the root ball and mix in plenty of compost and peat with the soil. This will help your mulberry tree establish a strong foundation. If you’re short on garden space, don’t worry – you can still grow mulberries in a pot! Simply opt for a dwarf variety and use a container that’s roomy enough to accommodate its mature size.
Propagation
To grow mulberries, one straightforward approach is to purchase young trees from local nurseries, online retailers, or tree catalogs. Alternatively, you can opt for plant cuttings, which involve trimming a 12-inch branch with at least three buds in early summer and planting it 3-inches deep in amended soil. Keep the soil consistently moist for about a month until shoots emerge. Once these shoots reach 4-inches in height, transplant them to their permanent location.
Nature can also provide you with free mulberry seedlings. Birds often disperse mulberry seeds by eating the fruit and then depositing the seeds on the ground, where they germinate into new trees. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these seedlings growing in a wild area, simply transplant it to your desired location.
Seed propagation is another method, but it requires an extra three years before the plant produces fruit.
To propagate through seeds, gather berries from a friend’s tree or a wild mulberry, soak them in water for 24 hours, and then extract the seeds. Place the extracted seeds in a plastic bag with a moist paper towel and refrigerate them for 90 days. You can also purchase mulberry seeds from catalogs.
Plant the seeds in potting soil, spaced at least 4-inches apart, as they take around 14 days to germinate.
Grafting is another propagation method that involves joining a piece of stem (scion) from one mulberry tree to the root system of another. Bench grafting in spring is considered the most reliable method, but it does require some care. Mulberry graft unions are sensitive to cold temperatures and need protection during their first couple of years, typically in an unheated garage or basement.
How to Care for Mulberries
Mulberries are surprisingly low-maintenance fruits to cultivate, as they don’t require much attention. Their ability to wind pollinate themselves means they’re self-sufficient and less susceptible to pest issues. Moreover, mulberry trees can thrive for an impressively long period, often exceeding 100 years or more with proper care.
Pruning
While I refrain from pruning my mulberries for the sake of animal feed in my wildlife rehabilitation program – a treat that’s relished by squirrels and groundhogs alike – there are instances where trimming is necessary. When branches become too entwined, thinning them out becomes crucial. Late winter is an ideal time to prune mulberries, allowing me to inspect my trees annually and remove any dead or twisted limbs I encounter.
It’s essential to avoid pruning during the sap-producing season, characterized by the visible weeping of liquid from the tree.
Fertilizing
When cultivating mulberries, a crucial aspect is maintaining healthy soil. Typically, well-nourished soil requires minimal external fertilization. As part of my overall fruit care routine, I apply compost around my mulberry trees in the spring, spreading it evenly to about one inch thick, covering the entire drip line. It’s essential to avoid adding any additional compost or fertilizer after July 30th, as this can stimulate excessive growth that may not be winter-hardy.
Watering
To ensure the optimal growth and development of your mulberry plants, it’s crucial to provide them with a consistent supply of moisture. Aim to deliver at least one inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation, taking into account the plant’s unique ability to thrive in dry conditions once established.
Controlling
When it comes to cultivating mulberries, a crucial aspect is maintaining control over their growth. To achieve this, it’s essential to steer clear of invasive varieties, which can quickly get out of hand. Regularly inspect your plants for shoots emerging near the trunk and promptly remove them to prevent spreading. Additionally, be aware that some regions have restrictions on growing mulberries due to the significant amount of pollen they produce.
Common Problems to Growing Mulberries
In contrast to many other fruits, mulberries exhibit remarkable resilience against pests and diseases. Having cultivated my own domestic mulberry trees for over 16 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to avoid any significant issues, even when neighboring plants have been affected by prevalent fruit diseases.
Canker
Mulberries may fall victim to canker in certain regions, manifesting as wilting leaves, peeling bark, and the formation of a dark, spore-covered mass on both bark and branches. To effectively address this issue, pruning away any afflicted branches can prove effective.
Powdery Mildew
While uncommon, some plants may still develop powdery mildew. In such cases, a hydrogen peroxide-based spray is an effective treatment to prevent the fungus from spreading and promote healthy growth.
Animals
Wildlife enthusiasts will recognize the allure of mulberries, which attract a diverse range of creatures. Squirrels and groundhogs are frequent visitors, while deer also indulge in the fruit and leaves. Songbirds are particularly fond of the berries, and my own flock of chickens eagerly devour any fallen fruit that may have escaped their notice.
When it comes to sharing my mulberry bounty with wildlife, I opt for a generous approach – but I’m also mindful of the potential drawbacks.
If birds prove to be pests, row cover can provide an effective barrier, similar to what’s used on cherry trees. Alternatively, fencing the tree may help deter deer from accessing the fruit.
Best Companion Plants for Mulberries
Mulberries, often referred to as ‘detractor’ plants, are an excellent choice for orchard companions. Their fruit is frequently preferred over other tree fruits like cherries by birds, which can be a significant advantage when it comes to preserving your harvest. Initially, I planted mulberries with the intention of diverting bird attention away from my cherry trees, but I soon discovered that these plants are incredibly productive and deserving of cultivation in their own right.
In fact, they outproduce my cherry trees! When selecting companion plants for your mulberry tree, consider options like chives, marigold, garlic, lemon balm, and nasturtium. However, avoid planting anything that may be negatively impacted by the increasing shade as the mulberry tree grows taller.
How to Harvest Mulberries
Within a year or two, plants begin producing fruit after transplanting young trees or cuttings. If you start from scratch, it may take around 5 years for your tree to mature. The ripening process varies depending on the mulberry variety, typically occurring in late spring to late summer. Once established, a typical tree yields between 15-25 pounds of delicious fruit. Enjoying them fresh off the tree is a popular pastime among my family and guests.
In fact, we pick the berries by hand, with many simply falling to the ground, where our chickens happily forage for them. Alternatively, you can lay out a clean sheet under the tree, gently shake the branches, and collect the fallen fruit in the corners. This efficient method allows you to harvest the bounty with minimal fuss.
How to Store and Use Mulberries
Mulberries are a nutritional powerhouse, boasting an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, potassium, and vitamin K. Additionally, they’re rich in resveratrol, a compound known for its potential anti-cancer properties. While fresh mulberries have a relatively short shelf life, making them less commercialized than other fruits, they can be preserved through refrigeration or freezing.
Freezing is a simple process: rinse the berries, gently pat them dry, and store them in freezer bags for up to three months. Dried mulberries also make for delicious snacks or jams. When it comes to cooking, mulberries can be used in a variety of ways, from sweet treats like yogurt, pancakes, and desserts, to more savory dishes like smoothies and stir-fries. In fact, older cookbooks often feature recipes that showcase the versatility of this underappreciated fruit.
To dry mulberries, start by removing their green stems and soaking them in cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice for ten minutes. Then, lay the berries out on a non-stick cookie sheet and bake at 140°F for 24 hours, stirring gently every few hours to ensure even drying. Mulberries can also be used to create homemade wine, which is surprisingly easy to produce.
Furthermore, young mulberry shoots are edible and can be prepared in various ways, such as steaming them with rice or adding them to soups. The plant’s leaves and shoots can even be brewed into teas. And let’s not forget the wood of the mulberry tree, which can be used for crafting fencing, furniture, and barrels that age balsamic vinegar.
Using Mulberries for Medicine
Mulberries have been touted as a superfood due to their impressive range of health benefits. For one, they’ve been shown to lower cholesterol levels and provide the body with essential fiber. Additionally, research suggests that consuming mulberries may help regulate blood sugar. Beyond its impact on overall health, mulberry extract has been used for centuries to treat various skin issues, including blemishes, dryness, and sensitivity.
Furthermore, practitioners have utilized mulberry to address mouth, throat, and lung diseases, highlighting the fruit’s impressive therapeutic potential. As a bonus, mulberries are also an attractive tree that’s surprisingly easy to grow, providing sustenance for both humans and wildlife. If you stumble upon any vintage mulberry recipes, feel free to share them with us – we’d love to hear about your experiences!
