How to Grow and Care for Red Mulberry

Morus rubra, known as the red mulberry, is a species of mulberry native to the eastern and central North America. Red mulberry tree is an uncommon sight in both the natural landscape and the nursery trade. It is a robust and adaptable plant known for its tolerance to various environmental conditions. This fruit is too difficult to harvest and delicate to stock at the grocery store, so devotees are trying their hands at growing mulberry trees. Regular watering during dry spells is beneficial, but red mulberry is notably drought-resistant.

How to Grow Red Mulberry

Red mulberry can be planted from seed and can be sown without stratification in the summer season. Seeds can also be planted in the spring after 30 to 90 days of stratification in the refrigerator. The seeds should be planted 8 to 12 inches apart from each other. Trees will produce fruit in 4 to 10 years after sowing seeds.

Mulberry plant can be propagated with branch cuttings. For stem propagation, cut 8-inch long of a green branch with a 1/2-inch diameter. Dip the bottom of the cuttings into the rooting hormone and plant about 3 inches deep in a small pot filled with soilless potting mix. Water thoroughly, then place the pot in a clear plastic bag to retain warmth or moisture. Place the pot in a full shade location for about 4 weeks, until the cutting begins to root. In the fall of winter, plant your little tree in the ground.

Care

Consider a large spot to fit the tree’s height and spread now as well as in the future. Plant the tree in a hole as deep as a container. Mulch around the new plant out to the dripline, ensuring not to touch the bark to help it retain moisture. Water the newly planted tree at least once per week for the first year of growing.

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