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They are suitable for the Indian climate and can thrive in tropical and subtropical regions. The key to success lies in knowing how to plant, nurture, and care for these trees. From choosing the right variety for your region to pruning and watering, there are simple and easy steps you can take to get a good harvest.
How To Grow And Care For A Mulberry Plant
Choose The Right Variety
Choosing the right mulberry variety is key to success and harvests. Here are the three most common types of mulberries, along with their characteristics, flavours, and growing requirements:
Black Mulberry (Morus Nigra)
Sweetest of all the three varieties, Black Mulberry is known for its rich flavour. The fruit is dark purple to black when ripe and juicy, so great for fresh eating, jams, and desserts. The preferred temperate climates are more cold and hardy. Thrives in USDA zones 5 to 9. Black mulberries need well-draining soil and full sun, so great for gardens with full sun. Black mulberry trees can get quite large, 30 to 50 feet tall with similar spread. Prune the plant regularly to shape and promote air circulation for more healthy growth.
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Red Mulberry (Morus Rubra)
The taste and flavour of red mulberries are slightly tart when they are unripe, and they are sweet when they are mature and fully grown. The colour of the berries is red to dark purple and smaller than black mulberry. This variety is great for syrups, jellies, and pies. Red mulberries are adaptable and can grow in any soil type, loamy, sandy, and clay. The sunlight requirement is from full sun to partial shade, making them great climates for growing, and they can grow up to 30 to 60 feet tall. 
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White Mulberry (Morus Alba)
They taste milder and sweeter than the other two varieties of mulberry. The colour of these berries can be white, yellow, or purple. They can be used in desserts, jams, and salads. White mulberries are super hardy and can tolerate a wider range of climates. They love well-draining soil and cannot grow in poor soil, which is great for challenging growing conditions. It can grow up to 30 to 50 feet tall and form a rounded canopy. Fast growing and can be pruned to size and shape, so great for smaller gardens too.
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Preparation
Mulberries like well-draining soil with pH 6.0–6.7. Choose a sunny spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of sun a day. Clear the area of weeds and debris and add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to boost nutrients.
Planting
Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball, then place the young mulberry tree in the centre and spread the roots out. Fill the hole with soil and firm it down to remove air pockets. Water it well to settle the soil around the roots.
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Watering
Mulberries need consistent moisture, especially in the first year. Water once a week and let the soil dry slightly between waterings. As the tree matures, you can reduce the frequency, but make sure to water during dry spells.
Fertilising
Fertilise your mulberry tree in early spring with a balanced fertiliser or compost. This will give the tree the nutrients it needs for healthy growth and fruiting. Do not over-fertilise as this will encourage leaf growth with less fruit.
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Pruning
Prune your mulberry tree in late winter or early spring when it is still dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration. This will promote healthy growth and maximise fruiting. Shape the tree to encourage an open canopy for better sunlight exposure.
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Pest And Disease Management
Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and scale. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage infestations. Also, monitor for fungal diseases and make sure good air circulation around the tree to prevent issues.
