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 can learn about the characteristics of the black mulberry tree, its needs and care. Do you want to learn everything about it? Just 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 shiny berries. The black mulberries, up to 3 cm long, are sweet and sour and very tasty. Once planted, they don't begin to produce their first berries until five years have passed. The black mulberry is a thermophilic plant, so it can withstand dry periods well. They are ideal for shading our garden on hot summer days. It is also important to know the mulberry tree care to ensure its proper development and the care and cultivation of black mulberry in general.
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 swampyThey also dislike sandstone or saline soils. To plant black mulberry, dig a hole about 50x50cm and apply fertilizer. After two weeks, add about 5kg of over-ripened manure with the addition of 100g of superphosphate. Cover everything with a layer of soil. Once the seedling is in place, the roots should not come into contact with the fertilizer during planting. If the soil is clayey, the hole will not drain well, so brick fragments or large stones should be placed in the hole. For more information on tree varieties, see the types of mulberry trees that exist and are ideal for cultivation.
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.
Watering is only necessary for black mulberry trees when there is no rainfall. However, it does require watering in summer. The plant enters a dormant phase in August to conserve energy in the heat. It's important to keep some precautions in mind: mulberry diseases that could affect its growth, as well as the care and cultivation of the black mulberry tree, which are essential.
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.
Regarding fertilization, it requires an extra supply of nutrients in poorer soils. The tree should be fertilized primarily in the spring and ending in July. During spring, nitrogen is needed to increase growth, followed by phosphorus and potassium compounds for lush flowering and fruiting, in addition to maintaining the basic nutrients needed for black mulberry cultivation.
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'll be able to properly care for your black mulberry tree and enjoy the berries. Also, keep in mind that the roots of this tree can be dangerous, so it's a good idea to know more. if they are dangerous for the environment.
The white mulberry, Morus alba, is a better tree to have in the garden because it can be placed near a terrace: its fruits do not stain as is the case with the black mulberry. Its fruits are tasteless but the birds love it, so the garden fills with warbles. It is a highly recommended, healthy and rustic species.
Hi, I have an Aborl of Emotions that never gave me blackberries ... I don't know if I need to plant another tree so that it begins to give, or is it that there are varieties that do not give, could you help me? Thank you
Hello Roberto.
Yes, mulberry flowers are unisexual, that is, they can be female or male. Therefore, in order for it to give blackberries, what you do is graft it, or plant other specimens nearby.
Greetings.
Why is our young mulberry tree fruitless this year? It bore fruit last year.
Hi Jana.
The reasons are diverse:
-may have been thirsty at some point
-that the temperatures have been higher or lower
-that it lacks nutrients
My advice is that you fertilize it in spring and summer with organic fertilizers, once a month or every fifteen days. In this way it will have sufficient strength to produce fruit.
Greetings.