Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry: A Complete Care Guide

By John Rawling Gardening 0 Comments

Table of Contents

Introduction

Hi there, I’m John Rawling, and if you’re looking for a fruit tree that combines beauty, functionality, and easy care, the Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry is a must-have! With over a decade of gardening experience, I’ve experimented with various fruit trees, but this one holds a special place in my heart. Its compact size and continuous harvest make it a favorite for those of us with smaller gardens or who simply want a rewarding tree that doesn’t take up much space. Keep reading as I share everything I know about growing and caring for the Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry!

What is a Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry?

The Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry (Morus nigra) is a smaller, more compact variety of the mulberry tree. It’s a favorite for those with limited space or gardeners who want the joy of fruit without the hassle of large trees. Unlike the regular mulberry tree, which can grow tall and wide, this dwarf variety typically reaches just 4 to 5 feet in height, making it perfect for small gardens or container planting. The mulberries themselves are sweet, juicy, and versatile, making them perfect for eating fresh, freezing, or using in jams, pies, or smoothies.

What sets the Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry apart from other fruit trees is its ability to produce fruit throughout the year, especially in warmer climates. That means you’ll have access to delicious mulberries for much of the year, unlike many other fruit trees that only yield their bounty in one season.

Why Should You Grow Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry?

If you’re wondering why this tree has become such a popular choice in gardens, let me share my personal experience. A few years ago, I planted my first Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry in a small, sunny corner of my backyard. I had limited space, but I wanted a fruit tree that could provide a continuous harvest, and I wasn’t disappointed! What surprised me the most was how low-maintenance it is. Despite being a smaller tree, it produced a constant stream of sweet berries, which I could use in various ways—from jam-making to just snacking straight off the tree. The best part? It didn’t require the space or effort that a larger fruit tree would.

Now, whenever someone asks me for advice on growing fruit in small spaces, I always recommend this tree. It’s not just about the berries; it’s about the experience of nurturing a tree that gives back. There’s something magical about having fresh fruit in your own backyard, don’t you think?

How to Grow Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry

Growing Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry is relatively simple and rewarding. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned pro, this tree will be easy to grow with the right care. Here’s how you can start:

Pick the Right Location: Mulberries love full sun, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. If you’re growing it in a container, place it in a sunny area on your patio or balcony. I’ve found that the more sunlight they get, the better they produce fruit!
Prepare the Soil: These trees prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil. I always recommend amending the soil with compost to improve its texture and fertility. Mulberry trees are forgiving when it comes to soil types, but they don’t like standing water, so ensure the soil drains well.
Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball of your tree. Plant the mulberry at the same depth as it was in the pot, and fill the hole with your prepared soil. Gently pat the soil down and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks while the tree gets established.

How to Care for Your Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry

Now that your tree is planted, it’s important to care for it properly so it thrives and produces fruit for years to come. Here’s how to do it:

Watering: Mulberry trees are fairly drought-tolerant once established, but they do best with regular watering, especially during dry spells. Deep watering helps encourage strong root growth. I make sure to water my trees at the base to avoid getting water on the leaves, which can encourage fungal issues.
Fertilizing: You don’t need to over-fertilize Dwarf Everbearing Mulberries. A light application of organic fertilizer in early spring is usually enough to keep your tree happy. I prefer compost or well-rotted manure as a natural, slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning: Pruning is necessary to keep the tree healthy and maintain its compact size. Trim back any dead or damaged branches and remove any suckers that grow at the base. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning also helps improve air circulation and light penetration, which are important for fruit production.
Pest and Disease Management: While mulberries are relatively pest-resistant, keep an eye out for common garden pests such as aphids, scale, or caterpillars. If pests are a problem, treat the tree with an organic insecticidal soap or neem oil. Mulberry trees are also prone to fungal diseases, so make sure the leaves are not too damp and avoid overhead watering.

How to Grow Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry in Containers

If you don’t have space in the ground for a mulberry tree, growing it in a container is a great option. Here’s how to grow a Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry in a pot:

Choose the Right Container: Make sure the container is at least 18-24 inches in diameter and has good drainage holes. You don’t want water to collect at the bottom, as this can lead to root rot.
Soil: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. You can also add some compost to enrich the soil, which will help the tree thrive.
Placement: Keep your container in a sunny spot. Since containers tend to dry out quicker than the ground, I recommend watering your tree regularly, especially during hot weather.
Repotting: Over time, your tree will outgrow its container. If you notice roots coming out of the drainage holes or the tree seems to be struggling, it may be time to repot into a larger container.

Top Tips for Growing Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry

Here are my top tips for growing a healthy, productive Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry:

Sun is Key: These trees love the sun, so don’t skimp on sunlight. The more direct sun they get, the better the fruit production will be.
Don’t Overwater: While they like consistent moisture, make sure the tree’s roots aren’t sitting in water. Ensure your soil drains well, and let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilize Sparingly: Dwarf Everbearing Mulberries don’t need a lot of fertilizer. A light feeding in spring is all they need to thrive.
Be Patient: The tree may take a couple of years to start producing a lot of fruit, but the wait is definitely worth it. The berries will come in abundance once it’s established.

Benefits of Growing Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry

Growing the Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry offers a variety of benefits that extend beyond just harvesting fruit. Here’s why it should be in your garden:

Continuous Harvest: Unlike many fruit trees that only bear fruit once a year, the Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry produces fruit multiple times throughout the year. This means you can enjoy fresh berries more often!
Compact Size: This tree is perfect for small spaces or container gardening. You don’t need a large yard to enjoy its fruit, making it ideal for urban gardeners or those with limited space.
Attracts Wildlife: The mulberries are a great food source for birds and other wildlife. Growing this tree in your garden will help attract pollinators and beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Low Maintenance: Once established, Dwarf Everbearing Mulberries require very little care. They’re tough and resilient, and they don’t need much attention compared to other fruit trees.

Companion Plants

When it comes to pairing plants, the Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry does well with other fruiting plants and herbs. Here are a few good companions:

Strawberries: These work wonderfully planted underneath the mulberry tree, taking advantage of the shade while producing fruit during the early season.
Herbs like Basil and Mint: Planting herbs near your mulberry tree helps deter pests and adds a fresh, fragrant element to your garden.
Flowering Plants: Marigolds or sunflowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which will, in turn, help your mulberry tree produce even more fruit.

Conclusion

The Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry is a versatile, low-maintenance tree that offers multiple harvests of sweet, juicy berries. Whether you’re growing it in a small garden, a container, or as a part of a larger fruit orchard, this tree is sure to become a treasured addition to your space. With the tips and guidance from this guide, you’ll be on your way to growing a successful mulberry tree that provides delicious fruit year-round.

For more gardening tips, check out our articles on how to grow basil in a pot and easy vegetables to grow in pots. These resources will help you expand your garden and create a more fruitful and sustainable space. Happy gardening!