Mulberry

Transplanting:

• The roots of mulberry tend to be brittle so caution and care are advised when transplanting.

Light Conditions:

• Full Sun:
  Preferably, place mulberry in a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
• Partial Shade:
  Mulberry can tolerate 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, primarily morning sun.

Soil:

• Deep, well-drained, loamy or moist soil that is poor, average or rich in nutrients. It can grow well in sandy loam to clayey loam soils. The plant has been reported to grow from 300 to 3,300 metres in warm and humid conditions.
• It is not recommended to plant mulberry where there is a strong maritime exposure.
• Mulch (such as grass clippings and wood chips) can be added to the surface of the soil to retain moisture and keep down weeds.

Watering Frequency:

• Water the soil primarily when the soil is almost dry or dry and ensure that the soil is kept moist but not soggy.
• The roots of mulberry should not be allowed to dry out.
• Mulberry is not drought tolerant, especially when not established.

Amendments and Fertiliser:

• Mulberry is regarded as moderately fast-growing and could tolerate poorer soils as long as it is deep and moist. As a result, amendments and fertiliser would not be necessary.
• If you choose to fertilise, you can do so 6 to 8 weeks after harvesting with a fertiliser that is high in nitrogen with an NPK ratio of 20-10-10 or apply animal manure.
• Companion planting with legumes can also be incorporated as nitrogen is added to the soil due to the nitrogen fixing by the legumes.
• If you notice that the plant appears to wither, monitor the lighting conditions, the soil moisture and whether the plant is root bound.

Pruning:

• Prune (deadhead) leaves when they appear to wilt, look diseased or turn yellow or brown.
• Prune branches to get a fuller tree.
• Monitor and control pruning branches to ensure that not too much sap oozes out of the tree.

Plants in the genus, morus, are notably resistant to honey fungus.