How to grow Mulberries

How to grow Mulberries, common pests and diseases of the plant, sun and water requirements.

Mulberry trees will grow well in most soil types, provided that the soil is deep and well draining. 

Like most fruit trees, Mulberries require deep, well draining soil. They will not tolerate waterlogged soil and will develop root rot as a result. Avoid planting in heavy clay unless the soil has been amended. Heavy soils can be improved by incorporating gypsum, organic matter and by mounding the soil before planting to improve drainage. 

Plant Mulberry trees in a full sun position. 

Yes, Mulberry trees are frost tolerant. 

Plant Mulberry trees a few meters apart, at minimum. Tree spacing is largely dependent on your preferred pruning method. 

It is best to plant a Mulberry tree that you have purchased, or grow a tree from a cutting. While Mulberry trees will grow perfectly well from seed, they can take up to 10 years to produce fruit. 

Late autumn or early spring is the best time to transplant most dormant plants. Plants, with the exception of bare-root, can be transplanted at anytime between when the ground thaws and when it freezes (so anytime if you are in a frost free climate). However, if transplanting in the heat of summer, you'll need to be diligent in watering and provide extra shade for your plant in the first few weeks after transplanting.

Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball. The hole should allow the plant to sit at the same level in the soil as it was previously. Fill the hole with soil ensuring that the crown of the plant, where the roots and stem meet, is level with the soil surface.

Plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn. 

Top-dress the soil around the Mulberry tree with well-rotted organic matter in spring, along with a balanced organic fertiliser. Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree up to the drip line to retain moisture (be careful not to pile mulch against the tree trunk as this may lead to trunk rot and disease). 

The two most common varieties of Mulberry are: Black Mulberry, which should be harvested when the fruit transitions from red to black.

White Mulberry, which should be harvested when the fruit transitions from green to white. 

Harvest the Mulberries from late spring. 

Pests that can affect Mulberry trees include: Whitefly, Scale, Mealybug, Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter, Fall Webworm, Aphids, Mites. 

Diseases that can affect Mulberry trees include: Armillaria Root Rot, Bacterial Blight. 

At the end of the season, prune the Mulberry tree in order to remove old or unproductive wood. Open up the centre to let light and air in by removing any overlapping branches, this will help to prevent disease.

Mulberries do not require cross pollination, planting 1 tree is sufficient.