Black mulberry (Morus nigra)

Today we are going to talk about a tree whose fruit is very delicious and eaten in many parts of the world. Is about black mulberry. His scientific name is morus nigra and it is a perfect tree to provide shade on hot summer days in your garden. In addition, its fruits can give you a sweet and exquisite flavor for the palate at this time.

Here you will be able to know the characteristics of the black mulberry, its needs and care. Do you want to learn all about it? You just have to keep reading 🙂

Key features

It is a deciduous tree that comes from Afghanistan and Iran. They are capable of reaching 15 meters in height. Its growth is quite fast from an early age. As it matures, it grows more slowly and slows down. It has a dark bark and rather thin shoots. Its foliage can be up to 20 cm long and 15 cm wide.

As for the shape of the blades, they are like sharp blades. The upper surface is quite rough to the touch, but the lower surface is smooth. When it is sown, it takes about 3-5 years to grow for the first time.

Its protection comes from its bright berries. Blackberries up to 3 cm long are bittersweet and very tasty. Once it has been planted, it does not begin to release its first blackberries for five years. Black mulberry is a thermophilic plant, so it can withstand dry periods well. They are ideal to shade our garden on warm summer days.

Black mulberry plantation

The best time of year to plant blackberries is the month of fall. This is due to the beginning of the first rains and the drops in temperature. It helps them maintain good humidity for the growing season. A black mulberry seedling that is able to survive all winter will be healthier and its yield will be higher.

When choosing the place to plant we must take into account the sun. This tree needs an open place to get as much sun as possible. However, it is preferable that the area where we plant it is away from the winds. In the case where there is groundwater at a depth of less than 1,5 meters, is where we have to locate it. If the water is deeper, its roots will not be able to reach it.

You need a soil that is neither dry nor swampy. They also do not like sandstones or saline soils.

To plant the black mulberry, a hole of about 50x50cm has to be made and fertilizer is used. After two weeks, around 5 kg of overripe manure is placed with the addition of 100 grams of superphosphate. We cover everything with a layer of soil. Once we place the seedling, the roots should not come into contact with the fertilizer during planting. If the soil is clayey, the hole will not be well drained, so fragments of bricks or large stones will have to be stained.

The roots of the plant are well distributed so that no air remains. If the seedling is very thin, better use a peg in the hole for better support.

As mulch peat or sawdust can be used.

Requirements and cares

The black mulberry does not want much preparation or a special approach both in planting and in its care. It needs the same care as any other tree. Irrigation, fertilization, soil cleaning, pruning and other common procedures.

We are going to mention some tips that will help your success in cultivation. The first thing is to take care of the soil. The tree trunk must be clean of weeds and remove excess moisture. However, the surrounding soil does have to be saturated with air and moisture.

It is only necessary to water the black mulberry in the absence of rainfall. However, in summer if irrigation is needed. The plant enters a rest phase in August to save energy against the heat.

Pruning and fertilization

To keep it always with all the good branches, it must be pruned in its dormant season. In spring, before there is movement of the juices, it is better to prune it. Sanitary pruning should also be done. It is about removing all damaged branches and shoots that compete to grow within the crown. This pruning is carried out in late fall after the foliage has fallen.

It is important that the temperature is always kept above 0 degrees. It supports the occasional frost, but as long as the temperatures do not drop below -10 degrees.

As for fertilization, it needs an extra supply of nutrients in those poorer soils. The tree has to be fertilized especially in the spring time and ending in July. Nitrogen is needed during spring to increase growth and then phosphorous and potassium compounds for lush flowering and fruiting.

Black mulberry care in winter

It is important to know the most important care to be carried out in winter. It is crucial that the plant survives the lower temperatures so that it will later produce good fruit. The tree is prepared to live in warmer climates, so it does not withstand the cold well.

The first thing to keep in mind is that not overly fertilized in winter. Nor does it need irrigation due to excess humidity and natural rains. During the autumn season, it is highly advisable to disinfect the plant against the possible appearance of pests and / or diseases.

If our climate is colder, we must place a collar on the surface close to the roots to protect it from low temperatures. It has the ability to increase cork fabric when temperatures are lower. It does so between the mature and young stem, so it will gradually adapt to the climate. Now yes, if there is snow, the tree will automatically die. To avoid this, we cover the tree trunks with mulch and dense branches that it hides. For example, fir branches are good.

With this information you will be able to properly care for your black mulberry and enjoy the blackberries.