The mulberry trees are trees that are widely used both to decorate to have fruit in the garden as they are. Its growth rate is quite fast, although it does not have to worry you too much if you have ample terrain.
As if that were not enough, the leaves of these plants are the favorite food of silkworms; so if you want to see how they become butterflies, you should definitely get one of them.
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Origin and Characteristics
They are deciduous trees (they lose their leaves in autumn/winter) native to Asia, Africa, and North America that belong to the botanical genus Morus. They are popularly known as mulberry trees, and they reach a maximum height of 15 meters. The leaves are alternate, simple, with a serrated margin.
The flowers are unisexual and appear grouped in spikes. The fruit is an achene, 2-3cm long, and can be white or reddish when ripe.
The best-known species are:
- Morus alba: or white mulberry, which is native to East Asia.
- Morus australis grows in Southeast Asia.
- Insignis morus: from Central and South America.
- Morus nigra: or black mulberry, from Southwest Asia.
- Morus rubra: Eastern North America.
What are your cares?
Location
The mulberry trees must always be outdoors in full sun. It is very important to plant them at a distance of at least five meters from any construction to avoid problems.
Land
They grow in almost (they don’t like acids) all kinds of soils, although they prefer fertile and well-drained ones. If the one you don’t have, make a 1m x 1m planting hole and fill it with a universal growing medium mixed with 30% perlite. Both substrates can be obtained in nurseries.
Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the essential tasks to be carried out since mulberry trees cannot resist drought, but continuous puddling does not suit them either. Also, keep in mind that the frequency will not be the same throughout the year: in summer, we will water more than in autumn/winter since the soil loses moisture faster. So how often do you have to give them water?
Well, it will also depend a lot on the climate that we have, but generally with 4 or 5 weekly irrigations in the hottest time of the year and every 4 or 5 days the rest, the trees will be fine. Of course, you have to water conscientiously, trying to get the water to the roots well.
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These trees need a regular supply of “food” during the spring and summer. So that they do not lack anything, I recommend combining ecological fertilizers (for example one month we add cow dung, the following month guano, …). In this way, we can enjoy not only its beauty but also its fruits.
Multiplication
They multiply by seeds and cuttings. Let’s see how to progress in each case:
Seeds
They are sown in spring or autumn following this step by step:
- First, a forest seed tray is filled with a universal growing substrate.
- Then he waters himself conscientiously.
- Then, a maximum of two seeds is placed in each socket.
- They are then covered with a thin layer of a substrate.
- The next step is to sprinkle copper or sulfur to avoid the appearance of fungi.
- Finally, it is watered again, this time with a sprayer, and the seed tray is placed outside, in semi-shade.
If all goes well, they will develop in about a month.
Cuttings
- It is multiplied by cuttings in late winter, following this step by step:
- First, a branch of about 10-20cm is cut, which has about three buds (bumps from which the leaves sprout).
- Then, they are removed if they had the basal leaves, which are the lower ones.
- Then the base of the cutting is impregnated with homemade roots.
- Finally, they are planted in individual pots with growing universal media.
After more or less a month, they will issue their roots.
Planting season
Mulberries are planted in the garden in late winter, although it can also be done in autumn if we live in a climate with mild frosts.
Pruning
In late winter, dry, diseased, or weak branches should be removed. We can also take advantage of cutting those that are growing excessively.
Rusticity
They resist up to -18ºC, but cannot live in frost-free climates.
What uses do they have?
- Ornamental: they are very decorative trees, ideal to have as isolated specimens or in groups. They come to give a delightful shade, which is why they are fascinating as garden plants. Although the fruits indeed make the soil quite dirty, we can choose to put the Morus alba ‘Fruitless’ that does not produce any fruit.
- Edible: Ripe fruits are used to make soft drinks, cakes, wines, and cakes.
- Other uses: Mulberry leaves, especially white mulberry leaves, are the food source for silkworms.
Health Benefits of Mulberries
In addition to relieving inflammatory processes, blackberry has a wide range of properties at a medicinal level, among its components, are calcium, vitamin C, and B such as folic acid, riboflavin, etc. It contains potassium, large amounts of iron, and fiber.
Thus, the benefits it brings to health are usually very varied, including:
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- Antioxidant power that prevents the aging of body cells.
- Useful for constipation and control of digestion.
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- Control of anemia.
- It favors circulation and liver health.