Mulberry (Morus alba) is a fast-growing, deciduous to semi-evergreen tree grown for its sweet, juicy berries that ripen white, pink, red or purple. Easy to grow and quick to fruit, it is popular in Indian home gardens and is also the staple food plant of silkworms, central to sericulture. The soft fruit is eaten fresh or used in jams and juices but does not store well. Tolerant of a wide range of soils and climates, mulberry responds well to pruning, which can keep it compact and productive even in containers.
Specifications
| Family |
Moraceae |
| Native region |
China and Central Asia |
| Mature height |
5-12 m (less if pruned) |
| Mature spread |
4-8 m |
| Growth rate |
Fast |
| Foliage |
Deciduous, bright-green lobed leaves |
| Flower colour |
Greenish catkins (inconspicuous) |
| Flower season |
Spring |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to temperate |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Full sun for best fruiting |
| Watering |
Moderate; regular during fruiting |
| Soil / mix |
Adapts widely; prefers fertile, well-drained loam |
| Temperature |
Wide tolerance; hardy and adaptable |
| Humidity |
Tolerates dry to humid conditions |
| Fertilizer |
FYM and balanced NPK in growing season |
| Pruning |
Prune hard in dormancy to keep compact and fruitful |
| Repotting |
Suits large pots with regular pruning |
| Propagation |
Easy from hardwood cuttings |
| Pests & problems |
Leaf spot, mealybugs, generally trouble-free |
| Toxicity / safety |
Ripe fruit edible; unripe fruit may upset stomach |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
Grown for sweet edible berries eaten fresh or made into jam and juice. Leaves feed silkworms and the tree gives quick shade.
Growing tips
Mulberry thrives almost anywhere in India and fruits within a year or two; prune annually to keep it compact, productive and easy to harvest, even in a pot.