When to Plant Mulberry in Brisbane — Subtropical 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 Subtropical Australia
When to Plant
Plant winter (bare root) or anytime from pots.
- 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
Subtropical Growing Tips for Mulberry
Recommended Varieties
- Black English
- White Shahtoot
- Hicks Fancy
- Red Shahtoot
Key Challenges
- Virtually none
Pro Tips
- Almost bulletproof in SEQ. Plant it and leave it alone.
- Position where staining doesn't matter.
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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