It is a proven fact that surrounding yourself with plants at home can benefit both physical and mental health. And if the plant can produce fruit, even better! A great option is the mulberry plant. Mulberries originated in China around 4,000 years ago and are also native to the Himalayan foothills in India. When planted and cared for properly, this plant can reward you with delicious mulberries. We’ve curated a detailed step-by-step guide on how to grow a mulberry plant at home.
Benefits Of Mulberry
Before planting a Mulberry plant at home you should know why these berries are good for you. Here are five benefits of mulberries that you should consider:
- Mulberries are filled with Vitamin C and this vitamin plays a key role in boosting your immune system.
- The rich properties of mulberries promote heart health as it lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.
- These delicious berries also have a very high fibre content which enhances digestion and smooth bowel movements.
- Mulberries contain antioxidants like vitamin A which can help improve your vision.
- The iron and other cognitive-protecting antioxidants in mulberries promote better brain health.
How To Grow Mulberry Plant At Home: A Step-By-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide teaching you how to grow mulberry plants at home:
- Step 1: Firstly you need to choose the right variety of mulberry plants to grow at home. Considering most modern houses or apartments are small it is best to go for the Dwarf Everbearing Mulberry or any other dwarf variety of the plant.
- Step 2: Mulberry plants need full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily) to grow well. Choose a spot with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Avoid waterlogged areas as mulberries don’t like "wet feet."
- Step 3: You can grow a mulberry plant either from cuttings or saplings.
For Cuttings: Cut a healthy branch from an established tree, about 6–8 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil.
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For Saplings: Purchase a sapling from a nursery and plant it directly in your garden or a large pot (around 12–15 inches in diameter).
- Step 4: Plant the cutting or sapling so that the roots are fully covered and the soil is firm around the base.
- Step 5: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, mulberry plants benefit from regular watering during dry periods.
- Step 6: In early spring, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser or compost to encourage growth.
- Step 7: Prune your mulberry plant regularly to maintain its shape, especially if you’re growing it in a pot. Make sure to cut back any dead or overcrowded branches. This also encourages more fruit production.
- Step 8: Shield your mulberry plant from pests like aphids, caterpillars, or spider mites. Spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
- Step 9: With patience, sunlight and proper care, mulberries will start producing fruit after 2–3 years if grown from cuttings or saplings. You can harvest the berries by gently shaking the branches and collecting the fallen fruit.
Follow these eight steps to grow a mulberry plant at home. But be sure to be patient and consistently take care of the plant.
Image Credits: Freepik
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