Black Mulberry

Name: Black Mulberry
SKU: 8094
Availability: InStock

Bare Root

$15.00

Categories: Black Mulberry, Fruit Bushes for USDA Zone 6, Fruit Bushes for USDA Zone 7, Fruit Bushes for USDA Zone 9, Mulberry, USDA Zone 8

Black Mulberry Planting Instructions

How to plant a bare root black mulberry tree

Unpack and protect the roots right away
Open the package as soon as it arrives. Keep the roots damp and shaded. If you cannot plant the same day, wrap roots in moist paper and store the tree in a cool place for up to a couple days. If roots look dry, soak them in a bucket of water for 2 to 6 hours before planting. Do not soak overnight.
Pick the right spot
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Give the tree room to spread. Also consider fruit drop and staining, it is smart to plant away from patios, sidewalks, driveways, and light-colored surfaces.
Dig the hole
Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots without bending them, typically 2 to 3 times wider than the root spread. Dig only as deep as needed so the tree will sit at the same depth it grew in the nursery. If you see a soil line on the trunk, that is a good reference.
Set the tree at the correct depth
Make a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, set the tree on the mound, and fan the roots outward. The root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) should be at or slightly above the surrounding soil level after settling.
Backfill and water in
Backfill with the native soil you removed, breaking up large clods. Firm the soil gently as you go to remove air pockets. Water slowly and deeply right after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch properly
Apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch in a wide circle around the tree to hold moisture and reduce weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
Stake only if needed
If your site is windy or the tree feels unstable, stake for the first growing season. Use soft ties and remove stakes after the tree is established so the trunk can strengthen.
First-year care
Water deeply 1 to 2 times per week during the first 6 to 10 weeks, then adjust based on rainfall and heat. The goal is consistently moist soil, not soggy soil. In the first year, focus on root establishment over heavy growth. Light shaping pruning can be done to remove broken branches or improve structure, but avoid heavy pruning at planting time.
Fertilizer timing
Do not over-fertilize at planting. If your soil is poor, a light feeding after new growth starts in spring is fine. Too much nitrogen can push leafy growth at the expense of fruiting later.

Description

Black Mulberry Tree (Bare Root, 3 ft)

Black mulberry (Morus nigra) is a fruiting tree known for richly flavored, dark purple to near-black berries and a naturally compact, spreading growth habit compared to many other mulberries. Once established, it can handle heat well, tolerates a range of soils, and produces dependable crops when it gets full sun and consistent moisture through the growing season. The fruit is soft and juicy when ripe, so it is best for fresh eating right off the tree, baking, jams, and freezing.

Black mulberry grows best in USDA Zones 6 to 9 (some plantings can succeed in sheltered Zone 5 spots with winter protection, but Zone 6 to 9 is the safer range). It performs best with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day. Expect a medium-sized tree over time, commonly in the 15 to 30 foot range at maturity, with a rounded canopy that can be kept smaller through pruning. Mulberries are generally tolerant of many soil types, but the best growth happens in well-drained soil with moderate fertility. Avoid areas that stay soggy after rain. Young trees appreciate steady watering during their first couple seasons, especially during hot or dry weather, and they tend to become more drought tolerant once the root system is established.

Growing characteristics

USDA grow zone: 6 to 9 (best range for reliable performance)
Sun: Full sun is best, light shade is tolerated but can reduce fruiting
Mature size: Often 15 to 30 ft tall and wide (can be maintained smaller with pruning)
Growth habit: Spreading, rounded canopy, moderate growth rate
Soil: Adaptable, best in well-drained soil, avoid standing water
Water needs: Moderate, water regularly while establishing, more drought tolerant once mature
Fruiting: Dark berries ripen in early to mid-summer in many climates, fruit can stain, so plan placement accordingly
Pollination: Typically self-fertile (one tree can produce fruit)