By Julie Christensen
aboriginal to China and Japan , the white mulberry tree(Morus alba)has been cultivated for thousands of years there , where it is the preferred food generator of silk worms . In the early 1800s , enterprising settler brought white mulberry trees to the U.S. , skip to start a silk industry here . Unfortunately , silk production in the United States was prohibitively expensive and the speculation give out .
Those snowy mulberry Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and their descendent can still be found growing furious in parts of the U.S. White mulberries are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8 . They grow in almost any land , but prefer full sun and well - draining , rich , slightly acid soil . Some species self - seed prolifically and the plant is encroaching in modest , moist areas .
scarlet mulberry trees(Morus rubrum)are native to the United States and can be found originate in shaded timberland areas and along streams and creek . Hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 8 , these trees are more finicky about their growing circumstance than white mulberries . They ’ll grow in full sunshine , but they really opt partial spectre and deep , dampish soil .
Black mulberry(Morus nigra)is native to Iran and farm only in the mild climate of USDA zones 7 through 10 . It endure a bit more drouth than the other mulberry tree coinage , and needs full sun and warmth .
Before you plant mulberry tree tree , consider your landscape gardening goal . Most mulberry tree Tree reach a peak of 40 foot or so . Although they have interesting , calendered leaves , they do n’t have a particularly outstanding class , although crying and nanus diversity are available .
Most the great unwashed who uprise mulberry tree grow them for their yield , which resembles large blackberries in frame . The fruit is very sweet and mild , with the flavor varying among various species and cultivars . It is typically used as you would other Chuck Berry – eaten fresh , in pies or in preserves .
mulberry tree yield ripens to white , red , regal or smutty . When ripe , it falls from the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Birds love mulberries , so you ’ll have some competition for the harvesting . The yield does n’t transport well and is n’t make commercially , but it makes a all right accession to the home garden .
Keep in nous , though , that mulberry tree fruit is very messy . Because it drops when mature , it can maculate terrace , cars and other surfaces . It can also be brought in the house on the bottom of your shoes . If you settle to engraft mulberries , put them at the back of the garden , aside from foot traffic . programme to harvest them daily as they ripen to keep down the mess .
Planting Mulberry Trees
When choosing mulberry tree , make trusted you buy a specie adapted to your region . White and crimson mulberry will live for up to 75 yr , while black mulberry can live for 300 years or more . Most mulberry cultivars are self - prolific , but a few postulate both a male and distaff plant . Be certain to call for your producer .
Plant the tree in an area that flummox full sunshine . comprehend a hole as recondite and doubly as broad as the rootball . define the tree in the golf hole and fill up the gob half - full with filth . Add 2 gallons of body of water and allow the water to enfeeble . cover to satisfy the hole completely with grease , pack it down firmly with your foot .
Once planted , irrigate the mulberry tree tree at least once per calendar week while it becomes launch . Water it more in dry red-hot weather , so the soil stay on moist 2 inch beneath the soil surface . Once established , water system as often as involve to keep the land slightly dampish . If the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree sits in an irrigated lawn , you belike wo n’t need to render additional weewee .
Mulberries produce fruit on young wood . clip the trees in wintertime or early spring before new growth appears . Prune mulberries to control maturation and hit dead and diseased branches . You do n’t need to spread the canopy as you would orchard fruits and only minimal pruning is postulate .
Fertilize the trees in spring with 1 pound 10 - 10 - 10 plant food spread under the tree diagram ’s canopy .
Pests and Disease
mulberry are fairly pest- and disease - resistant , although you might note borers or aphids . Zea mays everta disease can sometimes smite blank mulberries , which cause the yield to arise popcorn - same growth . Remove and destroy the affected fruit .
Varieties
Want to learn more about growing Mulberry trees?
Red and White Mulberriesfrom Purdue University
Mulberryfrom NC State University
Julie Christensen learned about garden on her grandfather ’s farm and mother ’s vegetable garden in southern Idaho . Today , she lives and gardens on the gamey plains of Colorado . When she ’s not digging in the grease , Julie write about food , pedagogy , parenting and gardening .
