Mulberries are a fun and worthwhile plant to grow. I first read about growing mulberries as a way to keep songbirds from eating my cherries. They are native to eastern and central parts of the USA and make a great foraging crop as well. Mulberry trees are prized for their sweet and slightly tangy fruits, which resemble blackberries.
These highly nutritious berries can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in various recipes like jams, pies, and smoothies. Used as a food source and medicinal plant by Indigenous people who then taught European settlers who used it in jams and pies.
They are common east of the Mississippi River and areas of the Great Plains as an understory tree that averages up to 30 feet.
Benefits of Growing Mulberries
1. Nutritious Fruit: Mulberries are packed with nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, and antioxidants.
2. Low Maintenance: Mulberry trees are hardy and resilient, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners. They can tolerate a variety of soil types and are relatively pest and disease-resistant.
3. Wildlife Attraction: The fruits of mulberry trees are not only enjoyed by humans but also attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to your garden, enhancing biodiversity. They are a host for the Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) butterfly.
4. Soil Erosion Control: The extensive root systems of mulberry trees help prevent soil erosion, making them beneficial for stabilizing slopes and embankments.
5. Chickens Love Them: Along with being favored by wildlife mulberries are enjoyed by chickens as well. The ones that fall to the ground make a great treat for your flock.
Cons of Growing Mulberries
Messy Fruit: Mulberries are known for their juicy and flavorful fruits, but the dark-colored berries can stain sidewalks, driveways, and clothing when they fall and get squished. My hands were purple for several days whenever I made mulberry jam!
Attracts Wildlife: While some people like me see this as a positive, the abundant fruits of the mulberry tree can also attract unwanted wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and insects, which may cause disturbances in the garden.
Invasive Roots: Mulberry trees have an extensive root system that can spread out and cause issues with underground pipes, sidewalks, and foundations if planted too close to buildings or other structures. So if you are in an urban area consider that before planting.
Spring Pollen: Mulberry trees are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female trees. Male trees produce pollen that can trigger allergies in some individuals during the spring pollination season.
Growth Rate: Mulberry trees can grow quite rapidly, requiring regular pruning to maintain their size and shape. Failure to manage growth can result in an overgrown and unkempt appearance.
Check out my video on Mulberries
Varieties
Illinois Everbearing Mulberry
This is the only one I have grown personally and it’s one of the hardiest trees I’ve ever grown (see below where it fell over in a storm). It is a grafted cultivar Morus alba x rubra 'Illinois Everbearing. One-inch purple fruits are very juicy. Ripens in mid-July and continues to fruit well into August. Self-fruitful. Does well in urban areas and along the beach (tolerates pollution and salt).
I have seen several Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry Tree’s (Amazon link) for sale and I am tempted to buy one and try it out!
White Mulberry
The white mulberry (Morus alba) is native to China and was brought here in the 1700s as an attempt to raise silkworms. The white mulberry was spread by birds, has out-competed the native red mulberry, and is considered an invasive species. In some states, growing them is banned.
How to Grow Mulberries
Planting
Another reason to love mulberries - they do well in heavy clay soil - something many of us have in Zone 6. Mulberry trees prefer full sun but will do well in partial shade as well. Plant them in a location with plenty of space to accommodate their size.
One of my favorite books on growing fruit is Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden (Amazon link) by Lee Reich. It had me looking at many of our native fruit trees in a new and different way.
Watering: Keep the soil around mulberry trees consistently moist, especially during the first year of growth. 2 to 3 gallons per week for the first year is recommended. Once established, mulberries are drought-tolerant, however, keep an eye on plants that are fruiting and have a higher water need.
Pruning: Mulberries do not need a lot of pruning unless you want to keep them smaller. They respond well to pruning, which can help control their size and shape. Prune in late winter or early spring when the tree is dormant. Cut out dead branches or ones that are crossing.
Check out my book on Growing Fruit. Available on Amazon.
Planting and caring for your fruits
Growing fruit in small spaces
Orchard Maintenance Schedule
Pollination
Specific guidelines for each fruit
Ideas to use each one in cooking
Growing Guide For 16 Fruits in Zone 6
Foraging for Mulberries
Mulberries are one of nature's hidden gems, often found in abundance during the summer months. Foraging for these sweet and juicy berries can be a delightful and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
Identifying Mulberry Trees
Mulberry trees are deciduous and can be identified by their distinctive leaves with serrated edges. The trees typically bear small to medium-sized berries that can range in color from deep purple to almost black when ripe. Mulberries are often found in open fields, along hiking trails, or near bodies of water.
Harvesting Mulberries
When foraging for mulberries, it's important to respect the environment and the trees themselves. Be sure to only pick ripe berries that come off the stem easily, as unripe mulberries can be tart and less flavorful. Using a basket or container with a wide opening can help you collect the delicate berries without crushing them.
Foraging Etiquette
Always ask for permission if you're on private land, avoid over-harvesting to ensure the trees can continue to thrive, and leave no trace by cleaning up any litter or debris.
Check out your local parks! Many communities and parks have planted mulberries and these may be open for foraging.
Mulberries are a good source of food for over 20 species of songbirds, as well as wild turkey and grouse. In addition, squirrels, foxes, and deer love mulberries. So make sure you share!
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Harvesting
Mulberries ripen in early summer and can be harvested once they turn dark in color. Be aware that ripe mulberries are delicate and should be handled with care.
When picking mulberries, use a gentle touch to avoid damaging the berries or the tree. Hold the berry between your thumb and forefinger and give it a slight tug. If it comes off easily, it's ready to be harvested. Avoid pulling too hard, as this can damage the tree or knock off the unripe berries.
Mulberry trees are taller than our typical orchard fruit trees. Here are some strategies for harvesting them.
One of the most common methods for harvesting fruits from tall trees is to use a sturdy ladder.
There are various long-handled tools available specifically designed for harvesting fruits from tall trees. These tools typically have a basket or claw-like attachment at the end that allows you to reach and gently grab the fruits without having to climb the tree. They are geared more towards large fruits like apples and pears.
I have a Blueberry “rake” that works well for blueberries but not for softer fruit like blackberries.
Shake the Tree: If the branches are within reach but the berries are too high up, you can gently shake the tree to dislodge the ripe fruits. This can be done by either shaking the trunk of the tree or using a long pole to shake the branches. Be careful not to shake too vigorously to avoid damaging the tree or knocking off unripe berries.
Collaborate with Others: If the tree is particularly tall or difficult to reach, consider enlisting the help of friends, family, or neighbors. Working together, you can use a combination of ladders, tools, and teamwork to efficiently harvest the mulberries.
Prune for Accessibility: If you have access to the tree throughout the year, consider pruning the branches to encourage lower growth and make harvesting easier in the future. However, it's essential to prune the tree properly to maintain its health and shape.
Ways to Use Mulberry Fruits
Eat Fresh: Enjoy mulberry fruits fresh off the tree for a sweet and juicy treat.
Bake Into Desserts: Use mulberries in pies, tarts, cobblers, and crisps for a delicious twist.
Make Jams and Jellies: Cook mulberries down with sugar to create flavorful jams and jellies.
Add to Smoothies: Blend mulberries into smoothies for added sweetness and nutrients.
Infuse Water: Drop mulberries into water for a refreshing and lightly flavored drink.
Create Mulberry Syrup: Boil mulberries with sugar and water to make a syrup for pancakes, waffles, or cocktails.
Dried Mulberries: Dry mulberries to enjoy as a snack on their own or mixed into granola and trail mixes.
Mulberry Ice Cream: Incorporate mulberry puree into homemade ice cream for a unique and tasty dessert.
Salad Topping: Sprinkle fresh mulberries on top of salads for a burst of color and flavor.
Mulberry Sauce: Cook mulberries with herbs and spices to make a savory sauce for meats like duck or pork.
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder of Fox Run EEC and is a Master Gardener and Author. Check out her Amazon Author Page.
