How to Grow a Mulberry Tree for a Neverending Supply of Delicious Fruit

Mulberries are a delicious ingredient in teas, jams, wines, and more around the world. Many mulberry tree varieties are also hardy across a wide range of United States growing zones, making them relatively easy to grow in many home gardens. Here, we spoke to experts regarding everything you need to know about growing a mulberry tree.

Best Time and Place to Plant

Mulberry trees do best when planted in late fall or early spring. “At that point, the roots can grow without being burdened by needing to feed leaves,” says Tammy Sons, gardener and owner of TN Nursery. “This gives the tree a good beginning before the hot summer.”

Be sure to plant your mulberry tree away from any septic tanks or water lines. It has an aggressive root system that will seek out water and may wreak havoc in the process.

How to Plant

Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus Landscaping, recommends following these planting instructions:

1. Dig a hole: Create a hole at least double the size of the rootball. This will allow the root system to quickly establish itself in its new location through the loose soil. 
2. Keep it elevated: Make sure the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil line when planting. This will help prevent root rot. 
3. Water thoroughly: Create a small soil well around the base of the tree and fill it with water a few times.
4. Add insulation: A thin layer of natural arbor mulch on top will help the soil retain moisture throughout the summer.

Avoid adding compost below the roots, as it’s unnecessary, and you risk burning them.

“It’s best to add this as a mulch later on in the year, once it has been established,” says Matt Tutt, head gardener and food grower at Aguacateros. “There will be plenty of available nutrition in the soil already, and it’s best applied on the surface."

Container Gardening

A mulberry will only get so big in a container—and as a result, it may not produce the amount of fruit you desire. “They will quickly become rootbound and will be high maintenance,” says Dilmore. “If you aren't planting a dwarf variety of mulberry, a pot is not the best place for it.”

If you choose to plant a dwarf variety in a container, then Sons says drainage is important. “Use a big pot with lots of holes and a soil that water flows through easily,” she says, “and be aware you will need to water it more often.”

Care Instructions

Here’s how to best tend to your newly planted mulberry tree: 

• Sunlight: Mulberry trees prefer full sun and will do best when they get at least 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight each day.
• Temperature: Mulberry trees do well in USDA zones 4 through 8, which means they can withstand cold temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Soil: Mulberries tolerate a variety of soil types, but do best in moderately rich soil that is well-drained.
• Water: Your mulberry will need additional attention to maintain its moisture in the first year. “They will need to be checked on at least twice a week for water, especially in their first year in the ground,” Dilmore says. “After a few seasons, mulberries tend to take care of themselves pretty well.”
• Fertilizing: If growing in a pot, Tutt recommends fertilizing every six months or so, as the tree will consume the available nutrients in the soil more quickly.
• Pollination: While mulberries are self-pollinating, they will likely produce more fruit if you have two or more trees. 

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Pruning and Overwintering

Any major pruning should be done in winter, when mulberries are dormant, as this is the least stressful time to prune them, as with many other trees.

Mulberries don’t typically need any overwintering since they are very cold-hardy. “If you are concerned about a newly planted tree,” Dilmore says, “it would be a good idea to add an extra layer of mulch around the tree's base before the onset of winter to protect its roots.”

Pests and Diseases

Wildlife will be the biggest nuisance to your crop, as birds, squirrels, and other animals love mulberry fruit. “This is great if you're hoping to attract songbirds,” Dilmore says. “But if you have a small tree, this can significantly lower your year's yield.”