How to Grow Mulberry
Morus
Mulberries (black/white) need full sun, deep, well-drained soil, and space—they grow into broad, spreading trees. Plant while dormant and stake young trees. Minimal pruning is needed; shape lightly in summer and avoid heavy winter cuts that bleed. Fruit ripens over weeks from early–mid summer; berries stain and drop easily—site away from patios if this is a concern. Water during establishment and mulch annually. Some seedlings take several years to bear; grafted selections fruit sooner.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Mulch with compost in spring. Established trees rarely need feeding.
Watch For
- Generally pest-free
- Birds
- Canker on damaged wood
Companions
Comfrey, Chives, Alliums
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun and shelter for best fruiting
Full sun for best fruiting. Tolerates light shade but crops will be reduced. A sheltered, south-facing position is ideal in the UK.
Watering
Water young trees; mature trees are drought-tolerant
Water young trees regularly during establishment. Mature trees are fairly drought-tolerant but benefit from watering during prolonged dry spells in summer.
Fertilizing
Compost mulch in spring; rarely needs feeding
Mulch with well-rotted compost in spring. Established trees rarely need additional feeding. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds.
Pruning
Prune in winter dormancy only; minimal cuts
Prune only in full winter dormancy as mulberry bleeds sap heavily if cut in spring. Minimal pruning needed — remove dead or crossing branches.
Mulching
Thick spring mulch around root zone
Apply a thick mulch of compost or bark around the root zone in spring, keeping it away from the trunk.
Growing Tips
Plan for size
Allow generous headroom and width; mulberries become large, graceful trees.
Prune in leaf
Do formative tidying in summer to reduce sap bleed and speed healing.
Harvest gently
Lay a sheet and shake ripe branches; fruits detach when fully soft and sweet.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Birds
Identification: Pecked and partially eaten fruit; fruit disappearing before you can harvest; bird droppings on branches
- Drape netting over the tree before fruit ripens, securing at the base to prevent birds getting trapped
- Use bird scarers or reflective tape as a deterrent
- No chemical treatment; physical exclusion is the only effective method
Pest Scale Insects
Identification: Small brown waxy bumps on older stems and branches; sticky honeydew and sooty mould in severe cases
- Scrub off with a stiff brush during winter dormancy
- Spray with plant oil-based winter wash
- Apply systemic insecticide in spring when crawlers are active
Disease Bacterial Canker Pseudomonas spp.
Symptoms: Sunken, discoloured patches on branches that may ooze; bark cracks and peels; dieback of affected branches
Treatment: Cut out cankered wood to at least 15cm below visible damage; sterilise tools between cuts
Prevention: Avoid pruning in spring when sap is rising (mulberry bleeds heavily); prune only in full dormancy; protect wounds
Disease Coral Spot Nectria cinnabarina
Symptoms: Bright orange-pink raised pustules on dead or dying branches; can spread to live wood through wounds
Treatment: Cut out affected branches well below the infection; dispose of prunings — do not compost
Prevention: Remove dead wood promptly; avoid leaving pruning snags; prune in dry weather during dormancy
Popular Varieties
Illinois Everbearing
A cross between white and red mulberry species known for hardiness and a prolonged harvest window. Black fruit is almost seedless and very sweet.
Pakistan
Famous for producing exceptionally long fruit (up to 10cm) with firm texture and rich berry flavour. Less cold-hardy than other varieties.
