Growing black mulberry (Morus nigra) at home is easier than many people think. This hardy and generous fruit tree can thrive perfectly in a large pot on your balcony, terrace, or garden patio β and reward you with sweet, juicy berries every summer. Hereβs a complete guide to help you cultivate your own mulberry tree in a container and enjoy an abundant harvest.
π± 1. Choosing the Right Variety
There are different types of mulberries (white, red, and black).
For pot cultivation, black mulberry (Morus nigra) is the best choice because it is compact, slow-growing, and produces the most flavorful fruits.
π Tip: Look for dwarf or grafted varieties, as they adapt better to container life and start fruiting sooner (sometimes within two years).
πͺ΄ 2. Selecting the Pot
Mulberries grow deep roots, so choosing the right container is essential.
- Size: At least 50β60 cm (20β24 in) in diameter and depth.
- Material: Use a terracotta or plastic pot with good drainage holes.
- Drainage layer: Add pebbles or clay balls at the bottom before filling with soil to prevent waterlogging.
πΏ 3. Soil and Planting
Mulberries prefer fertile, well-draining soil.
Soil mix:
- 50% high-quality potting soil
- 25% compost or well-rotted manure
- 25% coarse sand or perlite for drainage
Planting steps:
- Fill the pot two-thirds full with the soil mix.
- Place the sapling in the center, keeping the root collar slightly above soil level.
- Fill the remaining space and gently press the soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
π 4. Light and Temperature
Black mulberries love the sun!
- Place the pot in a sunny location (at least 6β8 hours of sunlight daily).
- Protect from strong winds, especially when the tree is young.
- The ideal temperature range is 18β30Β°C (64β86Β°F). In winter, move the pot to a sheltered spot if your region experiences frost.
π§ 5. Watering and Feeding
Proper watering and feeding are key to getting a big harvest.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During fruiting season, water more frequently.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer (like NPK 10-10-10) every 4β6 weeks during the growing season.
- You can also enrich the soil once a month with compost tea or organic liquid fertilizer.
βοΈ 6. Pruning and Maintenance
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