Growing Mulberries

Fortunately, growing mulberries in the tropics is easy as pie. Instead of a tree, in the tropics they will grow into a healthy fruiting bush.

Furthermore, there are three well-known species, white, red, and black mulberry. However, we find the black mulberry grows particularly well in our tropical climate.

Are Mulberry Trees illegal in Australia?

In parts of Australia, particularly parts of Queensland, mulberry trees are considered an invasive species and may be subject to restrictions or control measures. Fortunately these restrictions do not apply to tropical Queensland.

It’s essential to check local regulations and guidelines regarding planting or managing mulberry trees in your area.

How to Grow Mulberry Tree from Seed

How to Grow Mulberry Tree from Cutting

When do Mulberry Trees fruit in Australia?

Mulberry trees in Australia typically fruit in late spring to early summer (October to December), depending on the variety and region. In warmer areas, they may produce fruit earlier or even have a second, smaller fruiting period in autumn. Mulberries prefer a sunny position and well-drained soil to yield abundant, sweet fruit. Regular watering during the fruiting season ensures a good harvest.

Dwarf Mulberry Tree

We recommend you grow the dwarf variety, as left to its own devices your mulberry tree will grow to 3m (10ft) tall and almost that wide.

Our tree is not a dwarf, consequently we have to prune it annually. 

Growing Mulberries in Pots

Two quite good varieties to grow in a pot are the Dwarf Everbearing and the Issai. Neither of these will grow over 2m (6.5ft). Alternatively, you could use any variety of mulberry and simply keep the height under control by pruning.

Growing Mulberries in Australia

You need to know when to prune and when your trees are likely to fruit. This can vary according to where you live, so here we are talking about mulberry trees growing in Queenslands.

Fruiting

Many trees fruit more than once per year. However, we have found our trees produce most of their fruit between September and December.

Pruning

If you are growing mulberries the tropics, the best time to prune is at the start of the dry season. Follow the prune with a feed and water.

A light prune in summer (after your harvest) is also advised.

Problems Growing Mulberries

Mulberry trees are fairly hardy. However, in Australia they can suffer from two main diseases, fungal leaf spot and bacterial leaf spot. Accordingly, neem oil is a good organic pesticide and fungicide that you can apply to your plants.

When to Plant Mulberry Tree Australia

The best time to plant a mulberry tree in the tropics is at the start of the wet season. This way the rain will do a lot of the watering work for you as the plant becomes established. Once your mulberry is well settled in you should not be required to water until the big wet is over.

Growing Mulberries – The Fruit

The black mulberry is the tastiest and most versatile of the mulberries. They are large and juicy with a good balance of sweetness and tartness. They are delightful to eat and eating them also has health benefits.

Health Benefits

Mulberries contain iron, vitamin C, and compounds. Eating them may help reduce cholesterol, blood sugar, and cancer risk. They have been used in Chinese herbal medicine to treat different ailments.

Weight Loss

A number of studies have indicated that eating more plant foods such as mulberries reduces the risk of obesity and obesity related diseases.

Fibre

Mulberries are a good source of fibre. Indeed, this is important as more fibre in the diet has been shown to help with weight loss, digestion and bowel function.

Immune System

This fruit is full of nutrients that will boost your immune system. Indeed these nutrients include vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Antioxidants

Mulberries are also high in antioxidants that improve the functioning of the blood vessels by dilating them. Consequently, this leads to improved blood circulation.

Prebiotics

Mulberries contain prebiotic fibre which helps beneficial microbes to populate the gut and bowel.

So, in light of these health benefits, now you know how to grow mulberries at home, why not get planting?

Dwarf Mulberry Tree Bunnings

This plant can be purchased from Bunnings. However, if you live in the tropics, why not consider supporting a local nursery? They often have what you need and a lot more besides. Also, often local nurseries sell products suited to the local climate.

Enjoy growing mulberries!

Other Tropical Fruits

• Black Sapote
• Custard Apple
• Dragon Fruit
• Grumichama
• Guava Tree
• Jaboticaba
• Kumquat
• Mamey Sapote
• Natal Plum
• Passion Fruit
• Paw paw
• Rambutan
• Star Apple Tree
• Watermelon

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• Tropical Herbs
• Tropical Vegetables

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