Table of contents
Growing Mulberries in Qld
Fortunately, growing mulberries in the tropics is easy as pie. Instead of a tree, in the tropics they will grow into a healthy fruiting bush.
Furthermore, there are three well-known species, white, red, and black mulberry. However, we find the black mulberry grows particularly well in our tropical climate.
Growing Mulberries from Seed
Mulberry does not grow ‘true to type’ so when you grow from seed your plant will not be the same as its parent. Consequently, if you have a mulberry tree you like, we recommend ‘grafting’ to create a new mulberry tree with the same characteristics.
Growing Mulberries from Cuttings
Time needed: 5 minutes
How to grow a mulberry tree from a cutting.
- Harvest Cutting.
Cut 3 or 4 healthy stems measuring approximately 500cm (16.5ft) in length. Use a sharp pruners to avoid tearing the plant. Cut just above a leaf node (where a leaf or bud emerges from the stem).
- Prepare Cuttings
Remove any buds and leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the bottom 2.5cm (1in) of the cut stems in rooting hormone.
- Plant Cutting
Make holes with a stick or other tool. Plant the cuttings into the holes. You should bury bout 1/4 of the cuttings. Pat the soil firmly around the stems to ensure they stand upright
- Keep soil moist
If you planted in potting mix, check it daily. If it feels dry to the touch, mist with a light spray.
When to Prune Mulberry Trees
We also recommend the dwarf variety. However, left to its own devices it will grow to 3m (10ft) tall and almost that wide. As a result, we prune ours annually.
If you are growing mulberries the tropics, the best time to prune is during the drier winter months. Follow the winter prune with a feed and water.
A light prune in summer (after your harvest) is also advised.
Can Mulberry Trees Grow is Pots
Two quite good varieties to grow in a pot are the Dwarf Everbearing and the Issai. Neither of these will grow over 2m (6.5ft). Alternatively, you could use any variety of mulberry and simply keep the height under control by pruning.
Pests and Disease
Mulberry trees are fairly hardy. However, in Australia they can suffer from two main diseases, fungal leaf spot and bacterial leaf spot. Accordingly, neem oil is a good organic pesticide and fungicide that you can apply to your plants.
Growing Mulberries – The Fruit
Health Benefits
Weight Loss
A number of studies have indicated that eating more plant foods such as mulberries reduces the risk of obesity and obesity related diseases.
Fibre
Mulberries are a good source of fibre. Indeed, this is important as more fibre in the diet has been shown to help with weight loss, digestion and bowel function.
Immune System
This fruit is full of nutrients that will boost your immune system. Indeed these nutrients include vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Antioxidants
Mulberries are also high in antioxidants that improve the functioning of the blood vessels by dilating them. Consequently, this leads to improved blood circulation.
Prebiotics
Mulberries contain prebiotic fibre which helps beneficial microbes to populate the gut and bowel.
So, in light of these health benefits, now you know how to grow mulberries at home, why not get planting?
Other Tropical Fruits
- Black Sapote
- Custard Apple
- Dragon Fruit
- Grumichama
- Guava Tree
- Jaboticaba
- Kumquat
- Mamey Sapote
- Natal Plum
- Passion Fruit
- Paw paw
- Rambutan
- Star Apple Tree
- Watermelon
Enjoy growing mulberries!
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