Mulberry
Mulberries can be dioecious (it’s either a male or female tree) or monoecious (both female and male flowers on the same tree). It can change from one sex to another. Male trees don’t bear fruits. Female trees can bear fruits itself but no seeds if there’s no male tree nearby.
Requirements
Mulberry trees are relatively drought-tolerant. Look into the following factors when you select the varieties you want to plant.
Size
Depends on the varieties, it can be 30-60′ tall, 20-40′ wide.
Zone
4-8
Check your planting zone here.
Sun/shade
Full sun or partial. More sun is better for more fruit.
Water
Deep water once a week or more on hot days at the first year.
Soil
Not picky as long as it’s well drained. Acidic to neutral.
USU soil testing
Pollination
Their flowers are spiky catkins that can be either female (looks like lil fruit with pistils sticking out) or male (cluster with stamens). Pollicated by wind – no pollinators needed.
How to plant a tree?
After you decide on a good spot, follow this instruction to plant your tree.
Where to buy a tree?
You can purchase bare roots online and plant them in early spring. Or check out nurseries nearby for potted trees.
How to take care of them
Mulberry trees require little care and pruning is not necessary. If you would like to maximize the fruit production, prune and fertilize in early spring.
Pruning
Do it when it’s dormant but not too cold (>50°F). Note that mulberries bloom and fruit on the previous year’s growth, so extensive pruning will reduce fruit production.
Fertilizing
Feed your tree once in late winter with a balanced 10-10-10 mixture.
Pest control
Knock off the bugs with strong blast of water or insecticidal soap. Or release predators depending on what pests you have.