Mulberry -- how to grow this unfairly neglected tree

Mulberries -- how to grow an unjustly overlooked tree

Mulberries are a tree that has been gaining well-deserved attention from Czech gardeners in recent years. Although they were cultivated in our regions centuries ago -- primarily for sericulture -- they fell into obscurity for a time. Today they are making a comeback thanks to exceptionally delicious and health-beneficial fruits, low maintenance requirements, and decorative growth habit. If you're looking for a fruit tree that doesn't require demanding care and will reward you with abundant harvests, mulberry is an excellent choice for a garden of almost any size.

Mulberry trees can be found in our range in the category mulberry tree.

White mulberry vs. black mulberry

In Czech gardens, you'll encounter primarily two mulberry species. Each has its own advantages, different site requirements, and specific culinary uses.

White mulberry (Morus alba)

Originates from China, where it was cultivated for thousands of years as feed for silkworm caterpillars. Under Czech conditions, it is fully frost-hardy and very adaptable.

• Fruits: Light white, pink to light purple. Sweet taste, delicate, less distinctive than black mulberry.
• Growth: Reaches 10--15 m, forms a wide rounded crown. Grows quickly, produces first fruits earlier than black mulberry.
• Hardiness: Excellent frost resistance (down to -30 °C), tolerates drought, polluted air and urban conditions.
• Fruit use: Drying, jams, compotes, fresh consumption. Fruits are soft and transport poorly -- process them as soon as possible after harvest.

Black mulberry (Morus nigra)

Originates from southwestern Asia. The fruits are noticeably more aromatic, but the tree is somewhat more demanding in terms of warmth and site conditions.

• Fruits: Dark red to black, full of flavor -- sweet-sour and intensely aromatic. Most growers consider them tastier than white mulberry fruits.
• Growth: Smaller tree (8--12 m) with a wide crown, grows more slowly. Can live for many centuries.
• Hardiness: Less frost-hardy than white mulberry (down to -20 to -25 °C). In warmer regions of the Czech Republic (southern Moravia, Polab region) it grows without problems; in cooler areas, it is advisable to protect young trees especially.
• Fruit use: Fresh consumption, juices, wine, baking, freezing. Due to more intense aroma, they excel in jams and syrups.

Comparison

Planting mulberry

When to plant

The ideal time is autumn (October--November) or early spring (March--April), when the tree is still leafless and will better survive transplanting. Container-grown saplings can be planted throughout the growing season -- in summer, regular watering is then necessary.

Site selection

Mulberry prefers:
- Full sun: Ideal conditions for abundant harvest. Tolerates partial shade, but fruit production will be weaker.
- Protected location: Especially black mulberry will appreciate a spot protected from cold north winds.
- Well-draining soil: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, but does not tolerate waterlogging. Ideal is sandy loam soil with good drainage.
- Plenty of space: Adult mulberry develops a robust crown -- plan for a diameter of 6--10 m and appropriate distance from buildings, fences and paved surfaces.

Planting procedure

1. Dig a hole approximately 60 x 60 x 60 cm in size.
2. Add a layer of gravel or crushed stone to the bottom to improve drainage, especially in heavier soil.
3. Mix the excavated soil with mature compost in approximately a 3:1 ratio.
4. Position the sapling so that the graft union is 5--10 cm above soil level.
5. Fill in, gently compact and water thoroughly (20--30 liters of water).
6. Drive in a stake and loosely tie the tree to it so the root system can stabilize.

Mulberry pruning

Mulberry doesn't require as intensive pruning as apples or pears, yet proper shaping in the first years has a crucial effect on the tree's health and longevity.

Training pruning (first 3--4 years)

The goal is to build a strong crown with 3--5 main branches evenly distributed around the trunk.

• Shorten the main shoot (terminal) to encourage branching.
• Remove competing terminals and branches that cross or grow into the crown.
• Keep the crown center open for sufficient light and air penetration -- this reduces the risk of fungal diseases.

Maintenance pruning (mature tree)

Perform at the end of winter (February--March), before vegetation begins.

• Remove dead, damaged and crossing branches.
• Thin excessive crown density to improve lighting and airiness.
• Mulberry fruits on one-year-old shoots -- don't shorten them unnecessarily or you'll reduce the harvest.

Caution: Mulberry "bleeds" heavily when pruned, meaning sap flows out. Prune exclusively during dormancy and use sharp, disinfected tools. Treat cut surfaces of thicker branches with tree balm.

Harvest and fruit use

When to harvest

Fruits mature gradually from June to August, depending on variety and climate region. Ripe fruits are soft and fall easily when touched -- traditionally they are harvested by shaking onto a laid-out cloth.

Harvesting methods

• Shaking: Spread cloth under the tree and gently shake the branches. Collect fallen fruits and process them as soon as possible.
• Hand picking: Time-consuming, but gentler to the tree. Suitable for smaller trees and selective harvesting of overripe fruits.
• Natural drop: Allow fruits to fall naturally onto a clean surface or cloth and collect them daily while fresh.

Warning: Mulberry fruits -- especially black ones -- stain heavily. Expect purple fingers and stains on clothing, which are difficult to wash out. Fallen fruits also stain paving, terraces and paths around the tree.

Processing and use

• Fresh: Straight from the tree, in yogurt, with cottage cheese or muesli
• Drying: Traditional preservation method. Dried mulberries are very sweet and resemble raisins -- excellent as a healthy snack
• Juice and syrup: Intense flavor, excellent in lemonades, cocktails or as a topping for ice cream
• Jams and marmalades: Alone or combined with currants, raspberries or lemon to balance sweetness
• Baking: In cakes, sponge cakes, muffins or as filling in pastries
• Freezing: Arrange fruits on a tray, freeze individually and transfer to freezer bags -- keeps for up to 12 months

Mulberry trees for your garden can be found in the category mulberry tree.

FAQ -- Frequently asked questions

How long before a mulberry starts producing fruit?

Grafted mulberries begin producing fruit 2--4 years after planting. Seedlings (plants grown from seed) may wait 5--10 years for their first fruits. For this reason, we always recommend purchasing grafted saplings from a reputable grower.

Is mulberry suitable for a small garden?

Standard mulberry forms a large tree and is not very suitable for small gardens. For limited spaces, choose dwarf or semi-dwarf rootstocks, mulberry cultivated as a shrub, or compact varieties such as 'Dwarf' or 'Pendula' (weeping form). These variants can be grown even in larger containers on a terrace or balcony.

How do I prevent mulberry from soiling the terrace and path?

The most effective prevention is to place the tree far enough from paved surfaces -- we recommend a minimum of 5 m. During the fruiting period, collect fruits regularly or spread cloth under the crown. A suitable alternative is some non-fruiting white mulberry varieties, which are grown exclusively as ornamental trees without the risk of staining.

Does mulberry suffer from any serious diseases?

Mulberry is an exceptionally healthy and resistant tree that in Czech conditions practically does not suffer from serious diseases or pests. Powdery mildew or bacterial leaf spot may occasionally appear, but these problems generally don't seriously threaten the tree's health. It is precisely the combination of resistance, low maintenance and delicious fruits that makes mulberry one of the most interesting fruit trees for Czech gardens.