When to Plant Mulberry in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Possibly the easiest fruit tree to grow in Australia. Virtually indestructible, tolerates poor soil, drought, neglect, and a wide climate range. Black mulberry (M. nigra) produces the best-flavoured fruit. Trees grow fast, fruit young (often in first year), and produce heavily. The main downside: fruit stains everything - paths, cars, laundry, hands, and anything beneath the tree. Plan placement carefully. Birds love mulberries, which can be an advantage (distraction crop) or disadvantage.
How to Grow Mulberry in Cold / Highland Australia
When to Plant
Plant bare root August.
- Soil
- Tolerates almost anything including heavy clay, sand, and poor soils. Performs best in well-drained fertile soil but genuinely undemanding.
- pH Range
- 5.5-7.5
- Sunlight
- Full sun for best fruit. Tolerates part shade.
Companion plants: Anything - mulberries are not fussy
Avoid planting near: Paths, driveways, clotheslines, swimming pools (staining), Anything you don't want purple-stained
Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Mulberry
Recommended Varieties
- Black English
- Hicks Fancy
Key Challenges
- Late frost can damage new growth
- Shorter season
Pro Tips
- Mulberries are cold-hardy and succeed in highland zones.
- Fruit season shorter but quality is good.
Harvesting Mulberry
When ready: Black mulberry: fully black-purple and soft. White/Shahtoot: pale pink to white and sweet. Ripe fruit falls at a touch - lay a clean sheet under the tree and shake branches.
How to harvest: Shake branches over a sheet or pick individually. Wear old clothes - staining is inevitable.
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