When to Plant Mulberry in Melbourne — Cool Temperate 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 Cool Temperate Australia
When to Plant
Plant bare root July-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
Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Mulberry
Recommended Varieties
- Black English (best flavour)
- Hicks Fancy
Key Challenges
- Popcorn disease in wet springs
- Shorter fruiting season
Pro Tips
- Excellent mulberry zone. Melbourne gardens grow outstanding mulberries.
- Black mulberry has the best flavour but is slower growing than white.
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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