Caring for Mulberry

Black mulberry is low-maintenance once established but benefits from consistent care in its early years. Water newly planted trees regularly from April through September, providing roughly 20 litres per week during dry spells. Established trees are moderately drought-tolerant but fruit quality and size improve with steady moisture during fruit development in June and July. Reduce watering in autumn and winter unless conditions are exceptionally dry. Feed once a year in March with a balanced general-purpose fertiliser (such as blood, fish, and bone) or a controlled-release granular feed, scattering a generous handful around the root zone and watering in. Alternatively, apply a 5 cm layer of well-rotted compost or manure as a mulch in early spring; this feeds the soil, suppresses weeds, and conserves moisture. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds after June, as soft late growth is vulnerable to frost damage. Mulberries are hardy in zones 6a–9b and need no winter protection in temperate Europe. Refresh the mulch layer each spring, keeping it clear of the trunk. The main pest to watch for is mulberry aphid, which causes leaf curl in late spring; a strong jet of water usually dislodges them, or use an insecticidal soap if necessary. Coral spot fungus can appear on dead wood, showing as pink pustules—prune out affected branches promptly and burn or bin them. Birds are fond of ripening fruit; netting is impractical on large trees, so expect to share the harvest. Fruit ripens from July through September and drops when fully ripe, so lay a sheet beneath the tree for easy collection. Mulberries do not store well; use or freeze them within a day or two of picking.