How to grow Mulberry in New Zealand
Mulberries are fast-growing, hardy, deciduous trees with sweet, juicy berries in early summer, rarely sold in shops because they are too soft to transport. A tree is easy to grow almost anywhere in New Zealand and needs little care. The two things to plan for are the purple-staining fruit, so keep the tree away from paths, cars and washing lines, and the birds, which love the berries as much as you will.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Mulberry in New Zealand
At a glance
When to plant by region
| Region | When to plant | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | June to August | |
| Auckland | June to August | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | June to August | |
| Central North Island | June to August | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | June to August | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | June to August | |
| Canterbury | June to August | |
| Otago & Southland | June to August | |
| Central Otago | June to August |
Where to plant
Plant mulberries in full sun in deep, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. They dislike wet, boggy ground but are fairly drought tolerant once established, and they need little fertiliser. Mulberries grow from the subtropical north to cooler southern districts.
Choose the spot carefully: ripe fruit drops and stains concrete, paving, cars and washing purple. Keep the tree away from driveways and paths, or plan to keep it small and net it.
- All regions: plant bare-root trees from June to August while dormant, or potted trees in the warmer months.
- Northland and the upper North Island: kererū and other birds can strip trees in areas with large bird populations, so keep trees small enough to net.
Choosing a variety
| Variety | Notes |
|---|---|
| Black English (Morus nigra) | Rich, dark, juicy berries with the best flavour, on a long-lived, spreading tree; the classic backyard mulberry |
| Hicks Early | A fast-growing, upright tree to about 6 m with sweet, dark red-black fruit like a boysenberry; self fertile |
| Dwarf types | Compact, heavy-cropping forms for smaller gardens and large pots |
| White mulberry (Morus alba) | White or pale fruit, sweeter but milder; a vigorous tree |
How to plant
- Soak bare-root trees in a bucket of water for about 30 minutes before planting.
- Dig compost into the area and dig a hole twice as wide as the roots and the same depth.
- Spread the roots or tease out a potted tree, plant at the same depth and backfill, firming gently.
- Form a ring of soil around the root zone, water in well and mulch, keeping mulch off the trunk.
- Water deeply every two to three days while the tree establishes.
Watering and feeding
Water young trees deeply every few days in dry weather. Established trees need watering only about every two weeks in dry spells, but they like plenty of water while the fruit is ripening.
Mulberries need little feeding. A general or citrus and fruit fertiliser in spring, or blood and bone, is plenty.
Pruning and care through the year
- Prune young trees to build a sound framework. Fruit forms on year-old wood and spurs, and tipping shoots encourages more fruiting spurs.
- Do major pruning in winter while dormant, and light shaping after fruiting. Prune lightly overall, as mulberries bleed sap easily from big cuts.
- To beat the birds, keep the tree small enough to net, or grow several trees so there is enough for everyone.
- A copper spray in autumn helps prevent leaf spot and mildew in humid areas.
Harvesting
Mulberries ripen over several weeks in early to mid summer. They are ready when fully dark, or fully coloured for white types, soft and sweet, and they drop at the lightest touch. Spread a sheet under the tree and shake the branches, picking daily through the season.
The fruit is very soft and stains hands and clothes. Eat it fresh within a day or two, or freeze, bake or make it into jam, cordial or ice cream.
Growing in pots
Dwarf mulberries grow in a large pot at least 60 cm wide in full sun, filled with quality potting mix. Water regularly, especially while fruiting, and feed in spring.
Pests and diseases
Mulberries have few problems apart from birds, which can strip a tree.
Pests to watch for
- Birds Fruit taken as it ripens; kererū can strip both fruit and leaves where they are common.
Diseases to watch for
- Leaf spot Brown spots on leaves in wet weather; rake up fallen leaves.
- Powdery mildew White powdery coating on leaves in humid summers.
Common questions
How long does a mulberry take to fruit?
Usually two to five years after planting, depending on the size of the tree and the variety.
Do I need two mulberry trees?
No. Mulberries are self fertile, with male and female flowers on the same tree, so one tree fruits on its own.
How do I stop birds eating my mulberries?
Keep the tree pruned small enough to net, and net it before the fruit colours. Where kererū and other birds are common, growing more than one tree also helps.
When should I prune a mulberry?
Do any major pruning in winter while it is dormant and light shaping after fruiting. Prune lightly, as mulberries bleed sap easily.
Where should I plant a mulberry tree?
In full sun, in well-drained soil, away from driveways, paths, cars and washing lines, as the dropped fruit stains everything purple.
Can I grow a mulberry in a pot?
Yes, choose a dwarf variety and a pot at least 60 cm wide, and water it well while it is fruiting.
Sources we checked: Yates NZ: How to grow mulberries; Incredible Edibles: Mulberry Hicks Early; RNZIH Plant Doctor archive: Mulberry tree.