Bountiful Gardens

The Mulberry (Morus)

Mulberries are deciduous trees known for their lush, heart-shaped leaves and unique, elongated fruits that look like slender blackberries. They are "continuous croppers," meaning many varieties will provide you with a fresh harvest every morning for weeks on end throughout the summer.

Setting the Stage for Success

Soil & Fertilizer

Mulberries are not "divas." They can handle a wide range of soil types, which is why they thrive so well in containers.

• The Soil: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Because they grow fast, they appreciate a soil that doesn't compact easily.

• Feeding: Feed with a balanced organic fertilizer once in early spring. Mulberries are vigorous enough that they rarely need heavy feeding; in fact, too much nitrogen can lead to an explosion of leaves at the expense of fruit.

What to Expect & Time to Harvest

Because you are starting with a potted tree, you may see fruit in the very first season.

• The Bloom: Mulberries produce small, inconspicuous green catkins that magically transform into berries.

• The Harvest: Mulberries ripen over a long period. Instead of one big harvest, you’ll find yourself wandering out to your patio every morning to pick a handful of ripe ones.

• The Ripeness Test: For black varieties, wait until they are deep purple-black and look plump. If they are still red, they will be very tart.

Maintenance, Trimming & Troubleshooting

Managing the Canopy

• Pruning: Since mulberries are fast growers, pruning is essential for potted trees. Prune in late winter while the tree is dormant. You can "top" the tree to your desired height to keep the fruit within reach.

• The "Summer Snip": If the branches get too long and "leggy" during the summer, feel free to snip the ends. This often encourages a second flush of fruit!

Pest Prevention

• Birds: Birds love mulberries more than almost any other fruit. If you want a harvest, you may need to use bird netting.

• Staining: Ripe mulberries have a very intense juice. Pro-tip: Don't place your pot directly over light-colored outdoor rugs or expensive stone tiling, as fallen fruit can leave a temporary purple "signature."

Flavor & Culinary Delight

Mulberries have a flavor that is a mix of honey, blackberry, and a hint of spice. They are very sweet because they lack the high acidity of raspberries.

• Fresh: They are very delicate and don't last long after picking—eat them straight from the tree!

• Drying: Dried mulberries are a "superfood" staple. They become chewy and taste like honey-flavored raisins.

• Baking: Use them in muffins or pancakes. Because they are so sweet, you can often reduce the sugar in your recipe.

Pro-Tip: The "Shake and Catch"

Because ripe mulberries are so soft, they can be messy to pick by hand. Instead, lay a clean sheet or tarp under your potted tree and gently shake the branches. The perfectly ripe, honey-sweet berries will fall right off, leaving the underripe ones on the tree for tomorrow's snack!