The Ultimate Guide To Growing Mulberry Trees From Seeds Or Cuttings To Harvest!

Welcome to our enchanting mulberry cultivation guide! These resilient and fast-growing trees offer a bounty of sweet, juicy berries and are a low-maintenance addition to your garden or food forest. Beloved by humans (and silkworms!) for thousands of years, mulberries provide shade, attract pollinators, and even improve soil health. Get ready to explore everything you need to know to grow and enjoy these remarkable trees!

Dark black and red mulberries growing on the tree branch.

Sound good?

Then, let’s grow some backyard mulberry trees – starting from seed or cuttings.

Germinating Mulberry Seeds In Small Pots

Dozens of mulberry saplings growing in plastic black growing bags.

Follow these four easy steps to germinate your mulberry seeds without fuss.

Step 1 – Releasing And Harvesting Mulberry Seeds

First, we must liberate our mulberry seeds from their fruity prisons! Gently massage the seeds in a fine-mesh strainer under cool running water until they’re pulp-free. Think of it as a luxurious spa treatment for your future mulberry trees.

After cleaning the seeds, spread them out on a paper towel. Let them dry for 2 to 3 days. Drying the seeds prevents mold and helps prepare them for their next stage.

Step 2 – Cold Stratifying Your Seeds

Storing your mulberry seeds in the fridge can help improve germination rates. Mix them with slightly damp sand or peat moss in a zip-top bag. Then, pop them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 months. This process, which fancy gardeners call “cold stratification,” tricks the seeds into thinking they’ve experienced winter.

Step 3 – The Cozy Beginning

Once their chilly vacation is over, it’s time to wake them up! Prepare small pots with a premium seed-starting mix and plant the seeds just 1/4 inch deep – these little divas prefer to stay near the surface.

Keep the mulberry seed soil moist. A temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit works best. In about 10 to 14 days, you’ll witness the miracle of tiny mulberry sprouts pushing through the soil like nature’s little performers.

Step 4 – Getting Ready For Transplant

If growing your mulberry seeds indoors, place them near your brightest window – though for best results, you’ll want to supplement with a grow light positioned 4 to 6 inches above the seedlings for 14 to 16 hours daily.

Transplant your mulberry seedlings into their permanent location when they’re about 6 to 8 inches tall and have developed several true leaves. Your mulberry seedlings should reach this height in about 6 to 8 weeks.

If they grew indoors – harden them off gradually over a week (increasing outdoor exposure daily) to prevent shock.

Growing Mulberry Trees From Cuttings

A mulberry Morus alba cutting with a plastic cup greenhouse.

Want to take a massive mulberry tree-growing shortcut? Grow them from cuttings! Here’s how.

Step 1 – Timing is Everything

Take your cuttings during the dormant season (late fall to early spring) from healthy branches that are 6 to 8 inches long and pencil-thick. Ensure each mulberry cutting has at least 3 to 4 nodes – those little bumps where leaves once grew. Cut at a 45-degree angle just below a node, which is essentially giving your cutting its best chance at root development.

Step 2 – The Power-Up Preparation

Dip the bottom end of your cutting in rooting hormone powder – it’s like giving your future tree a botanical energy drink! Remove all mulberry leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting.

Next, prepare a growing pot with a perlite and peat moss mix. This soil duo provides perfect moisture retention and drainage. It makes the roots want to party!

Step 3 – Creating The Perfect Environment

Plant your cutting about 2 to 3 inches deep in your prepared mix, then make a mini greenhouse by covering the succulent pot with a transparent plastic bag – leaving some air gaps for ventilation.

Place in bright, indirect light and maintain soil temperature around 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C). Mist daily to keep humidity high. Within 4 to 6 weeks, your cutting should develop roots, signaled by new leaf growth at the top.

Not every cutting will make it. Even the most experienced gardeners have their failures. Planting multiple mulberry plant cuttings can help increase your success rate. Think of it as nature’s version of not putting all your eggs in one basket!

Step 4 – Transplanting Outdoors

Wait until your cutting has developed a strong root system – you’ll know it’s ready when you see robust new growth and roots emerging from the drainage holes, typically 3 to 4 months after rooting. For best results, transplant in early spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the tree either wakes up or prepares for dormancy.

Choose an overcast day for the big move to minimize transplant shock. Prepare a hole twice the width of your root ball and just as deep. Water the cutting thoroughly the day before, and soak your planting hole before transplanting.

Watering creates a moisture gradient, encouraging roots to spread outward rather than staying in their cozy root ball. After planting, mulch generously (keeping mulch away from the trunk) and water intensely every few days for the first month.

Mulberry Tree Growing Requirements

Ripe purple and red mulberries growing on the tree.

Now that you’re ready to embark on your mulberry adventure let’s dive into what these fruit-bearing champions need to thrive in your garden paradise!

Sunlight

These sun-loving beauties crave 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they’re not complete divas – they’ll tolerate partial shade, though you might see a dip in fruit production.

For the most bountiful harvest, please give them a prime spot to bask in full sun, preferably with some afternoon shade in especially hot climates. Think of them as sophisticated sunbathers who appreciate a good parasol when it gets too toasty.

Climate

Mulberries are the adaptable socialites of the fruit tree world! Most varieties thrive in USDA zones 4 to 8, though some can handle zones 3 to 9.

They laugh in the face of cold winters and hot summers, with some varieties surviving temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C).

Spring frost can damage new growth, so site them away from frost pockets – these trees prefer to keep their tender spring shoots drama-free.

Soil + Fertilizer

Here’s where mulberries show their easy-going nature. They’ll grow in almost any well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. However, pamper them with rich, organic matter-laden soil for spectacular results.

Fertilizer-wise, they’re relatively modest – a yearly application of balanced organic fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring is enough. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to lots of leafy growth but less fruit – it’s like giving them too many carbs and insufficient protein!

Watering

Young mulberry trees need consistent moisture to establish their root systems – think of weekly deep waterings rather than daily sprinkles. Once established (2 to 3 years), these trees become surprisingly drought-tolerant.

Maintain soil moisture for the best fruit production during the growing season. The key is moist but not waterlogged soil – mulberries despise wet feet as much as we despise wet socks!

Harvesting

Ah, the grand finale! Mulberries typically begin fruiting way faster than apple trees or other food forest crops – 2 to 3 years after planting, with harvest season lasting several weeks in spring to early summer. The berries will tell you when ready – they’ll turn deep purple-black (or white/pink in some varieties) and practically fall off the tree when touched.

Spread a sheet under the tree and gently shake the branches, letting the ripe berries fall. And wear old clothes – these berries are notorious for their staining abilities, like an enthusiastic painter with purple paint!

Patience is key with mulberries. These trees can grow 10 to 12 feet tall within a few years and may eventually reach 30 feet or more if left unpruned.

Think of them as the gentle giants of your garden, providing decades of shade, fruit, and habitat for local wildlife. The gifts they offer are marvelous!

Mulberry Tree Growing Schedule

Fresh black and red mulberries growing on the tree.

Here are the critical dates all mulberry tree growers should know.

April

Wake up! It’s time for spring fertilizing and soil amending. Watch for emerging leaves and give young trees their first deep watering of the season. Prune out any winter damage – chop, chop!

May

Flower Power Month! Your tree bursts into bloom. Keep soil consistently moist and get ready for the incoming fruit show. Set up your bird netting if you want any berries for yourself!

(Orioles, Finches, Bluebirds, Mockingbirds, Tanagers, Cardinals, Thrushes, Robins, and Waxwings all LOVE mulberries.)

June

Berry bonanza begins! Prime harvest season kicks off. Wear your oldest clothes and prepare for purple-stained hands. Daily harvesting keeps the berries coming. Watch out for those silkworms munching on leaves!

July

Last call for berries! Continue harvesting until the grand finale. Now’s the time to start summer pruning if needed. Keep watering during dry spells – these trees are thirsty work!

August

Maintenance mode activated! Focus on structural pruning while you can see the tree’s form. Watch for signs of drought stress and adjust watering accordingly. Your tree is storing energy for next year!

September

Fall prep party! Reduce watering as the tree begins to wind down. Clean up fallen leaves to prevent disease. Take hardwood cuttings now to propagate more trees – spread the mulberry love!

Read More – Here’s How To Grow Zucchini Vertically!

Choosing The Best Mulberry Tree Varieties And Cultivars

Let’s take a closer look at some popular cultivars of the mulberry tree. Each one offers unique characteristics and advantages for gardeners and enthusiasts alike.

White Mulberry (Morus alba)

White mulberries harvested and resting on a large and green mulberry leaf.

The globetrotter of the mulberry world! Initially from China, these fast-growing trees produce sweet, mild fruits ranging from white to pink to purple. While delicious and historically significant (silk production, anyone?), they’ve earned a reputation as the rebellious teenager of the family.

Tree Size: 10 to 30 feet tall and wide.
Tree Traits: Rounded, fast-growing deciduous tree with glossy, rounded leaves (2 to 3 lobed).
Fruit Taste: Sweet, edible fruits that ripen to white or pink, sometimes darker reds or purple-blacks.
Fruit Season: Fruits mature in June.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8.

I mentioned that white mulberries also have an unruly reputation. They spread aggressively through birds dispersing seeds and can outcompete native species – especially in North America. Think twice before planting unless you’re ready for a tree with world-domination ambitions!

Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)

America’s native sweetheart! These magnificent trees produce deep red to purple fruits with an intense berry flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance. Growing up to 80 feet tall in the wild, they’re the gentle giants of the mulberry family.

Tree Size: 35 to 50 feet tall, occasionally up to 80 feet.
Tree Traits: Medium-sized tree with often lobed leaves and reddish-brown bark.
Fruit Taste: Sweet and juicy fruits, reddish to dark purple.
Fruit Season: Fruits appear in early spring.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9.

The fruits are darker and more prosperous than their white cousins, with a perfect balance of sweet and tart that makes them ideal for pies, jams, and wine-making.

Black Mulberry (Morus nigra)

Yummy and ripe black mulberry fruits growing on the branch.

The aristocrat of mulberries! Originally from Persia, these slow-growing beauties produce the largest, darkest, and most flavorful fruits of all mulberry species. They’re the kings and queens of flavor town, with a complex sweet-tart profile that’s simply unforgettable.

Tree Size: 30 to 40 feet tall, 35 to 50 feet spread.
Tree Traits: Broad-crowned small deciduous tree with heart-shaped dark green leaves.
Fruit Taste: Large, juicy fruits with a sweetness and tartness blend superior to white mulberry.
Fruit Season: Fruits appear in late summer to early fall.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9.

Though they take their sweet time to mature, they’re worth every year of waiting – think of them as the fine wine of the mulberry world.

Thai Mulberry

Ripe and delicious looking mulberry fruits growing in the food forest garden.

The tropical sensation! These dwarf trees produce unusually long, cylindrical fruits resembling berry caterpillars. With a sweeter, less tart flavor than their cousins, they’re perfect for fresh eating and make spectacular smoothies.

Tree Size: Compact, about 10 to 30 feet. You can manage it by pruning.
Tree Traits: Compact tree with attractive foliage and round-shaped leaves.
Fruit Taste: Sweet and juicy.
Fruit Season: Early spring to summer.
USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 10.

They’re also more heat-tolerant than other varieties, making them the go-to choice for warm-climate gardeners who want their mulberry fix.

Weeping Mulberry (Morus alba ‘Pendula’)

Chaparral dwarf weeping mulberry tree with red and pink mulberry fruits.

The garden artist! This ornamental showstopper combines the drama of weeping branches with the joy of fruit production. Growing only 6 to 8 feet tall, it’s perfect for small spaces and creates a living umbrella of cascading branches.

Tree Size: Depending on pruning, typically way smaller than other mulberry trees – up to ten feet tall.
Tree Traits: Distinctive weeping form with pendulous branches.
Fruit Taste: Similar to white mulberry, sweet edible fruits.
Fruit Season: Mid to late summer.
USDA Growing Zones: Similar to white mulberry, likely 4 to 8.

While fruits are smaller than standard mulberries, they make up for it in charm – it’s like having an edible sculpture in your garden!

Common Problems With Mulberry Trees

A hungry robin bird sitting on a white mulberry tree branch and snacking on berries.

While mulberries are generally as tough as a three-dollar steak, there are a few dramatic moments you should prepare for in your tree-growing journey!

Inadequate Pruning

These enthusiastic growers can quickly turn into the Godzillas of your garden without proper pruning! Young trees need early training to develop a strong structure, while mature trees require regular maintenance to prevent them from becoming overwhelming giants.

The key is annual pruning in late fall or early spring – focus on removing crossed branches, maintaining height (unless you enjoy climbing 40-foot ladders for harvesting), and creating an open center for good air circulation.

Tree Litter And Fruit Drop

Let’s be honest – mulberries can be messy neighbors! The fruit drop situation can turn your pristine patio into what looks like a crime scene, complete with purple evidence everywhere. Strategic planning is your best friend here.

Start by planting mulberry trees away from walkways, driveways, and pools (unless you enjoy purple-spotted swimmers).

Also – harvest regularly during fruiting season to minimize drop. Embrace the “fruit forest floor” concept and let your ground-covering plants thrive on the fallen fruits. (Ruth Stout would be proud!)

Finally, any leftover dropped fruit works marvelously to attract beneficial birds and wildlife.

Invasive Nature

These trees are nature’s master propagators! They quickly spread their dynasty through multiple clever strategies.

Birds feast on the sweet fruits and spread seeds through their droppings.

There are several easy, effective ways to manage this mulberry multiplication.

Start with regular garden patrols to spot and remove volunteer seedlings before they grow out of control. You can also add a healthy mulch layer around your trees – doing so can help stifle spreading.

Become your neighborhood’s mulberry vigilante! Watching for and removing unwanted saplings helps to maintain harmony in the garden.

Conclusion

Harvesting yummy and ripe mulberries from the tree.

Your complete roadmap to mulberry mastery is there, fellow garden enthusiasts! With proper planning and care, these magnificent trees will reward you with decades of sweet harvests, cooling shade, and endless opportunities to explain to guests why your patio has mysterious purple spots.

The best time to plant a mulberry tree was 10 years ago, but the second best time is today (just maybe not over your neighbor’s white picket fence)! 🌳

What about you?

Are you going to grow mulberry trees this year?
Which mulberry cultivar will you grow?
Will you grow it to feed wildlife or to harvest the yummy berries for yourself?

Thanks for reading.

Have a great day!