help comparing Mulberry hardiness, taste, height
gengis
15 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (25)
goodground
15 years agoglenn_russell
15 years agoRelated Discussions
Mulberry Question
Comments (14)fab native, Every M.rubra I've had occasion to sample had fruits significantly larger(and much tastier!!!) than any of the typical fencerow/ditchbank/vacant lot M.alba weeds that abound in urban/suburban areas here. IE is the 'gold standard' for mulberries here in my orchard, but I'm well aware, from conversations with friends who've grown it elsewhere, that performance varies from place to place - and in some localities, other varieties may surpass it. IE should be fully hardy in zone 5, but I've seen reports of folks in zone 4 and some colder areas of 5 having problems with winterkill, etc. If your IE is grafted low enough that you can plant with the graft union below ground level, even if you get a really severe winter kill - back to the ground - it should re-sprout and re-grow. I've handled varieties too tender to survive z6 in that manner, with some success....See MoreMulberry taste?
Comments (28)I can't really add much to the "taste" discussion, but I'll do what I can. In Rochester, NY, where my daughters live, many yards have "volunteer" mulberries growing somewhere. One of my daughters is a homeowner, and we discovered several while cleaning up her yard for the first time since she bought the place. I'm guessing they were white mulberries. It is quite confusing because white mulberries can be white, red or black depending on cultivar. Red mulberries can be red or black, but black mulberries are only dark. These volunteers in my daughter's yard were bearing black fruit that I would describe as bland or insipid. Others have described white mulberries as "insipid," so I'm guessing that's what these were. I started some rubus nigra, or black mulberry a couple years ago from seed I purchased over the internet. If memory serves, I think they came from www.seedman.com. They germinated very easily compared with some other seeds I purchased at the same time. I kept one that I planted in my yard. I asked the seller if they would survive in my zone (5). He wouldn't guarantee it, but thought they would. So far so good, though the leaves are definitely frost tender. We had a couple late frosts this year, and twice young leaves wilted and died from the frost before it was finally able to send out leaves that didn't get nipped. It didn't seem to hurt it much though, as it has grown at least a couple feet taller this summer. Too soon for fruit, but I'm looking forward to tasting it as the black mulberry is said to be the best tasting by many....See MoreAnyone grow Morus nigra (black mulberry)? and cold-hardy question
Comments (7)I've had a generic morus nigra in the ground for two years. I bought it as a tiny little thing on its own roots in a gallon pot, and it has grown very well. Still no fruit though. Last summer I put in a large 15 gallon grafted speciman of "black beauty". It had some fruit when I bought it, and man were they good... much larger and tastier than the native morus rubra or non-native morus alba. I've learned the following about these plants: -- They're very late to start growth in spring. -- They're also reluctant to slow down in fall if well watered, thus in my climate they are susceptible to early fall freeze damage. -- They can resprout easily from the roots and add plenty of growth by the end of the season. -- Growth that is thick and/or properly hardened off seems to avoid any cold damage. Mulberries should fruit on new growth, so some winterkill doesn't bother me. Your climate should be fine, especially since your transition into winter is more gradual than some. I don't know about the various cultivars other than the common "black beauty", but the word is that even the species is among the best for taste. Good luck!...See MoreIs this a mulberry tree? Please help me identify!
Comments (5)I thought I would post some photos of some of the berries that we picked yesterday. It was my first time tasting a mulberry, and it was incredible. You can't really compare it to any other fruit, I think the closest would be the flavor of a blueberry (at least the dark ones) with a blackberry texture. We are very excited to literally have these at our fingertips! Thanks again for all of the help! :)...See Moredenninmi
15 years agolucky_p
15 years agoglib
15 years agogengis
15 years agolucky_p
15 years agogreenwitch
15 years agokiwinut
15 years agochills71
15 years agochills71
15 years agolucky_p
15 years agochills71
15 years agobonsaist
15 years agolucky_p
15 years agogardenmama-123
15 years agogengis
15 years agospiral
15 years agorandimal
15 years agogengis
15 years agolucky_p
15 years agonjbiology
12 years agogengis
12 years agoValeria M
2 years ago
Related Stories
LANDSCAPE DESIGNGreat Design Plant: Retreat to the Shade of Hardy Catalpa
Big foliage and a towering height provide a shady respite in summer, but that's not all hardy catalpa offers dedicated gardeners
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNHere's Help for Your Next Appliance Shopping Trip
It may be time to think about your appliances in a new way. These guides can help you set up your kitchen for how you like to cook
Full StoryMOST POPULAR7 Ways to Design Your Kitchen to Help You Lose Weight
In his new book, Slim by Design, eating-behavior expert Brian Wansink shows us how to get our kitchens working better
Full StorySTANDARD MEASUREMENTSThe Right Dimensions for Your Porch
Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space
Full StoryCOLORPick-a-Paint Help: How to Create a Whole-House Color Palette
Don't be daunted. With these strategies, building a cohesive palette for your entire home is less difficult than it seems
Full StorySELLING YOUR HOUSE10 Tricks to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House
As with the kitchen, the bathroom is always a high priority for home buyers. Here’s how to showcase your bathroom so it looks its best
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Ironweed Fills Tall Garden Orders
Height, a slender form and a taste for wet soil make this native perfect for rain garden borders — and beneficial insects love it
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNHow to Find the Right Range for Your Kitchen
Range style is mostly a matter of personal taste. This full course of possibilities can help you find the right appliance to match yours
Full StoryEDIBLE GARDENSHow to Grow 10 Favorite Fruit Trees at Home
Plant a mini orchard in fall, winter or early spring to enjoy fresh-off-the-tree fruit the following year
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow to Find the Right Plants for Your Garden
Break free from choosing plants by cold-hardiness zones for a beautiful landscape that thrives year-round
Full Story
Pam Wedel