Mulberries are one of the fastest growing fruit-bearing trees that require the least amount of effort to grow an abundance of fruit in Florida. Mulberries belong to the family Moraceae, which also contains other well-known trees like the fig, breadfruit, banyan, jackfruit, Osage orange, and paper mulberry.
Mulberries include several fruit-bearing species, and they are grown throughout the world. They are well adapted to a wide range of environmental an soil conditions, allowing them to be successfully grown throughout the south east. Mulberries will grow best in well-drained soil and full sun. Among the most common trees planted are the native red mulberry (Morus rubra), black mulberry (Morus nigra), Pakistan mulberry (Morus macroura), and white mulberry (Morus alba). Non-native invasive trees include the white mulberry and paper mulberry. It is the white mulberry that is used for silkworm production in Asia.
A great characteristic of mulberries is their extremely rapid growth and fruit production. Most mulberries will grow in excess of ten feet per year and produce fruit within the first year or much sooner. Fruit are typically produced along with the first flush of new growth that emerges in late winter. Fruit mature quickly and will turn red and finally a dark red or purple once the fruit are fully mature. Fruit are generally mature in early spring, though some varieties produce fruit intermittently throughout the year, hence the name “ever-bearing”. Once the fruit are mature they tend to drop from the trees which can make harvest difficult or cause stains on driveways or sidewalks. Wildlife, particularly birds, will be attracted to the fruit, so it is important to harvest the fruit as soon as they are ripe. The fruit look superficially similar to blackberries and tend to have a sweeter flavor than blackberries. Also, are not seedy like blackberries and make for a pleasant eating experience. Because they are so thin skinned, mulberries have a very short shelf life and are best eaten within a day or two of harvest. The fruit can be dried and are especially useful for jams and jellies.
Commercial production of fruit mainly occurs in east Asia, though it does have some potential for local production in Florida. For those who are interested in growing their own mulberries, they are an excellent addition to any landscape. All mulberries will drop some or all of their leaves in a cold winter. Red and black mulberries can grow into full sized trees, while “dwarf” varieties are a good choice for those with limited space or do not want to manage excessive growth. If the mulberry is pruned it is one of the easiest plants to propagate from cuttings. Cuttings will need to be at least the length and diameter of a pencil or larger. Cuttings can then be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in potting soil, with the top pointed upwards, about four inches deep. Water the cuttings with some regularity to ensure the cuttings do not dry out. Success will likely be higher if this is done during the cool season, such as late winter. After several months, the cuttings should produce new leaves and even potentially new fruit.
Mulberries tend to have few significant pests which allows them to be grown with no need for pesticide application. Most mulberries when grown in good soil and full sun should also not require any fertilizer inputs to grow a healthy and productive tree. If immediate fruit production and low maintenance are desired, look no further than the mulberry.
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