🫐 Mulberry Tree: Growing Guide
Mulberry Tree (Morus alba/nigra) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −25 to 38 °C (−13 to 100 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Space plants about 600 cm (236 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Morus alba/nigra |
|---|---|
| Category | Fruit Trees |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 600 cm (236 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −25 to 38 °C (−13 to 100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Height | 500–1500 cm (197–591 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | ||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | ||||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Dec–Jan · Harvest: May–Aug.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
Watering
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Hardy once established.
Growing tips
White (for silkworms) and black (edible). Stains pavements! Rich in vitamin C.
Frequently asked questions
Mulberry Tree: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jul–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
Mulberry Tree: how often should I water it?
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Hardy once established.
Mulberry Tree: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 600 cm (236 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 20 cm (7.9 in).
Mulberry Tree: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Plan your garden
Add Mulberry Tree to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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