Mulberry trees are among the fastest-growing trees, reaching a height of 10 – 12 feet in 6 years. Most mulberry trees live 25 – 50 years. They are easy to grow, but they are not suitable for every garden.
These trees have slender branches and a dense round canopy of leaves. Because of their distinctive shape, mulberry trees are sometimes planted as ornamental trees.
Growing a mulberry tree can be a fulfilling and rewarding activity. Understanding the tree’s lifecycle can make it easier to grow and care for so that it reaches its optimal growth potential.
Germination
Mulberry tree seedlings can take 1 – 2 months to germinate. The emergence of the plant’s radicle, which serves as its primary root and anchors the sprout in the soil, is the first sign of germination.
Seed leaves emerge before the seedling’s true leaves appear. The true leaves’ main function is to provide energy and food to the plant through photosynthesis.
Juvenile
Young mulberry trees grow quickly; most of the growth takes place in their root system as they rapidly grow and develop. Juvenile trees are slightly furry but become more smooth during their second year. Their lenticels also flatten and turn white.
Young trees have irregularly lobed leaves. As trees mature, their leaves become glossy and green on top. Their branches become smooth and turn brown or orangish-brown.
Mulberry trees come in three varieties: red, black, and white. Red mulberry trees can grow to be around 70 feet tall. White mulberry trees can reach 80 feet tall, and black mulberry trees can be as tall as 30 feet.
The roots of these trees can become problematic because of their rapid growth rate, so monitor them closely.
Flowering
Mulberry trees are dioecious, meaning some of its trees are male and some are female. If there are no male trees nearby, a female tree will produce seedless fruit or fruit with unviable seeds.
Male mulberry trees don’t bear fruit.
It can take 5 – 10 years for a mulberry tree’s flowers to appear and bloom. When they do, they usually bloom in late spring. After its flowers bloom, the tree grows dark red or blueish-black sweet and sour berries.
Although certain mulberry trees self-pollinate, a pollinator will increase the quantity and quality of the fruit the tree produces.
Fruiting
Mulberry trees can bear fruit for up to 10 years. Green flowers emerge before the berries appear. The fruit matures from late spring through summer and can be eaten right off the tree.
Black mulberry trees produce berries that have a strong sweet and tart flavor. Red mulberry tree’s berries are similar in size and flavor to the berries of black mulberry trees.
White mulberry tree berries are smaller than those of black or red mulberry trees. They are also sweeter, some of which taste like honey. Their berries are also less acidic.
The tree’s fruiting season can last 6 – 8 weeks and its berries don’t ripen on the tree. Mulberries are usually only picked when they are ready to eat.
Birds and other animals that eat the berries help disperse the tree’s seeds and seedlings are frequently found sprouting around the base of the tree’s trunk.
