Mulberry, or mulberry, is considered a unique plant. It has valuable wood, delicious fruits are harvested from it, and the leaves serve as food for the silkworm, with the help of which natural silk is created. Thanks to such features, mulberry is widespread throughout the world, but on a large scale it is grown in North America, Africa and Asia.

Mulberry (Mulberry): varieties, description

Mulberry belongs to the mulberry family, the genus of deciduous trees. It has been grown in culture for more than 3 thousand years. The main value of a tree is in its leaves, which serve as food for silkworms. In addition, the fruits of the plant are actively used, which begin to ripen in mid-July. The berries contain resveratrol, which protects the plant from parasites and fungi.

Fruits are 85% water. In addition, they have:

  • vitamins A, K, PP, B1, B3;
  • alimentary fiber;
  • carbohydrates;
  • tocopherol;
  • folic acid;
  • potassium, calcium, magnesium.

To date, several dozen varieties of mulberry are known, but only a tenth of the varieties are widely used. Within Russia, white, red and black mulberries are grown. In addition to them, you can also find a satin look, which is also called fodder.

  • White mulberry. Its fruits can be white, yellow, pink, and sometimes even black. The mulberry tree got its name due to the light color of the bark. Despite the fact that the southern regions are the birthplace of this type of mulberry, it also grows well in the north. The most common varieties: "Mashenka", "Diana", "White Honey", "Lagoon", "White Tenderness", "Snow White", "Smuglyanochka".In China, white mulberry varieties are grown for the cultivation of silkworm, as they have softer leaves.
  • Black Mulberry. Her homeland is Iran. The color of the bark is red-brown, the berries have a sweet and sour taste. Varieties are more capricious to weather conditions, during severe frosts the plant freezes. Among the common varieties: “Royal”, “Staromoskovskaya”, “Black Prince”, “Hope”, “Black Pearl”.

Mulberry varieties, which have medium-sized fruits, impress with a variety of tastes. But their minus is that collecting them is rather difficult. Large varieties, due to the large size of the berries, are certainly a priority. The most popular types: "White Tenderness", "Black Prince", "Shelley - 150".

Where does the mulberry grow in Russia

The first planting of mulberry in Russia appeared in the XVII century. Under Peter I, the first plantation consisting of 3 thousand trees was planted near Moscow. Today, mulberries are massively grown in the central and southern regions of Russia.

Many modern varieties are able to withstand frosts down to -30 degrees, but do not forget that the root system can freeze already at -7 ... -10 degrees. In order for the tree to survive in the northern regions of the country, the root neck is buried, and in winter, the root must be mulched. Among the frost-resistant varieties include "Royal", "Vladimir", "Staromoskovskaya" mulberries.

In the middle lane it is advised to grow white varieties of mulberry, as they are more resistant to frost, while black varieties are well suited for life in the south.

Features of growing mulberries

Mulberry needs to be looked after in the same way as for other cultivated plants. The tree needs to be watered, pruned, fed and treated in a timely manner from pests.

A few rules for proper care:

  1. Abundant watering is required for the plant from May to July, the rest of the time water is supplied on demand.
  2. Regularly carry out preventative treatments against pests. In the process, not only the crown of the tree is sprayed, but also the surface of the trunk circle. Spraying is carried out in early April, while the kidneys have not yet awakened, or in October.
  3. Top dressing is applied in the spring and in the first summer months. In spring, it is best to focus on nitrogen fertilizers, in summer - on potash and phosphorus.

Methods of mulberry reproduction

There are several ways to reproduce mulberries:

  • The seeds. This method is mainly used by breeders. Most often, white mulberry seeds are used, which need stratification before sowing. After at least 2 years, the seedlings are planted in a permanent place. After another year, they are re-grafted with a mulberry shank, which bears fruit well and has delicious berries.
  • Vaccinated. Saplings should be grafted onto varieties that subsequently form a dwarf tree with a weeping crown. Thus, on one stem, you can grow several varieties of mulberry, which will differ in the color of the berry and the shape of the leaves.
  • Green cuttings. From them you can get seedlings with their own root system. But this method is considered one of the most complex and is not popular among ordinary gardeners.
  • Bends. With this type of reproduction, the mulberry begins bearing fruit no earlier than 7 years of life.

Outdoor landing

Mulberry need to be planted in a sunny place protected from the wind. The tree will feel most comfortable on the south side.

If you plant a seedling near a fence or wall, it will be reliably protected from drafts and winds.

Also pay attention to the soil composition. Loose loamy soils with a deep groundwater level are suitable for the mulberry. If mulberry is planted in sandy lands, it is additionally necessary to create a layer of drainage from broken bricks.

When the soil is too waterlogged and compacted, the plant will die sooner or later. If you plant bush-like trees, then the distance to honey seedlings should be about 3 meters. For the standard form - 5 meters.

Plant Care Recommendations

The mulberry is unpretentious in leaving. If the young seedling was planted in the spring, then in the first half of summer, mineral or organic top dressing is recommended, as well as plentiful watering. From the second half of July, all fertilizers must be canceled, and watering at this time begins to be carried out as necessary.

In the first year of life, it is necessary to regularly loosen the earth near the near-stem circle, as well as remove all weeds. Dried branches should be pruned.

In order to protect the mulberry plant from severe frosts and winds, in autumn, the side shoots are tilted to the ground and covered with a spunband. It is also necessary to mulch the trunk circle. During the winter, some shoots can still freeze, but do not be frightened, since in the spring the plant will quickly recover and grow.

Mulberry trim nuances

A prerequisite for proper care of the mulberry is its timely pruning, which depends on the variety and type of plant:

  • Weeping Mulberry. Pruning should be thinning in nature, branches and stems are also shortened in the process. This species can even be heavily trimmed, as it is restored in a short time.
  • Stamped Mulberry. Trimming of this type is carried out to form a crown. On a long stalk, it forms a spherical shape.
  • Decorative mulberry. Its pruning is considered the most difficult, since you constantly need to maintain the original crown of the tree.

Protection against diseases and pests

Mulberry tree needs regular protection, as it is constantly affected by pests.

Among the most common:

  • Khrushchev
  • Comstock Worm
  • spider mite;
  • a bear;
  • mulberry moth.

Of the diseases on the mulberry there are: bacteriosis, powdery mildew, cylindrosporiosis, root rot and so on.

Preventive spraying is carried out in early spring, until the moment of opening of the sleeping buds. You can also spray the plant in October. If the mulberry is affected by some kind of pest or disease, then it is necessary to select the appropriate remedy and treat the plant in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

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