If youre interested in growing your own mulberry trees, you might want to try propagating them from cuttings. This is a fun project that will help you make new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. In this guide, well walk you through the process of propagating mulberries from cuttings.
Mulberry trees are beloved for their sweet flavorful berries that ripen over a long season in summer. Their abundant fruit makes mulberries a top choice for edible landscapes. These fast-growing trees reach 30-50 feet tall and provide delicious fruit ornamental beauty, and excellent shade.
If you’re looking to add more mulberries without spending money, propagating from cuttings is a simple, cost-effective option. Follow this guide to successfully root mulberry tree cuttings for free plants.
Why Start Mulberries from Cuttings
Taking cuttings from existing mulberry trees allows you to:
- Get more plants for free
- Clone proven fruiting varieties
- Share prized cultivars with gardening friends
- Develop your own nursery stock
- Have young trees fruit faster than seedlings
Though mulberries can be grown from seeds, cuttings offer genetic identical copies of prized specimens. They fruit faster, often in just 2-3 years compared to 5-10 for seedlings.
Tips for Collecting and Preparing Cuttings
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Take 6-8 inch semi-hardwood cuttings from pencil-thickness branches in late summer or fall after seasonal growth slows.
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Use pruners to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove all but 1-2 top leaves.
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Cut the base of the stem at a 45 degree angle to maximize surface area for rooting.
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Optionally wound stems by scraping off a strip of outer bark near the base to promote root growth
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Dip the prepared end in rooting hormone powder or gel to stimulate root development.
Providing the Proper Rooting Environment
Rooting mulberry cuttings requires high humidity, warm soil temperatures, and moderate light. Here are a few options:
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Propagation trays – Use clear dome lids to maintain humidity while allowing filtered light to reach cutting stems.
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Cloches – Place potted cuttings inside plastic jugs, bottles, or storage containers to create mini-greenhouses.
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Intermittent mist – Automated misters provide frequent moisture ideal for root development.
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Bottom heat – Heating mats or cables keep soil temps 70-75°F for faster rooting.
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Shade cloth – Filter direct hot sun while allowing good air circulation around cuttings.
Aftercare for Rooted Mulberry Cuttings
Once cuttings have developed roots after 4-6 weeks, pot them up and provide attentive care:
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Gently tease apart new roots and repot into small pots using well-draining potting soil.
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Gradually introduce to brighter light over 7-10 days to harden off before planting outside.
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Keep young mulberry trees well-watered but not constantly soggy as they establish.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the first growing season.
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Protect from severe cold in winter until trees are well established.
Within 1-2 years, your mulberry cuttings should be fruiting! Prune to shape trees and boost berry yields as they mature.
Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Mulberry Cuttings
Follow these simple steps for successfully rooting mulberry tree cuttings:
1. Take 6-8 inch semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early fall.
Make a diagonal cut below a leaf node. Keep 1-2 leaves only.
2. Optional – Wound and treat cut ends.
Scrape a 1 inch section of outer bark off the bottom. Dip in rooting hormone.
3. Stick cuttings in sterile planting medium like perlite/vermiculite.
Gently firm the medium around the bases.
4. Provide high humidity and bottom heat.
Use a propagation tray on a heat mat, mist system, or cloche.
5. Allow 4-6 weeks for cuttings to root.
Maintain warm soil and high humidity during entire time.
6. Transplant into pots once rooted.
Gradually introduce to full sun over 7-10 days before planting outside.
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
Having issues rooting your mulberry cuttings? Here are some common problems and solutions:
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Cuttings shriveling or drying out – Increase humidity levels. Water more frequently.
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Leaves falling off cuttings – Avoid overwatering. Improve air circulation. Don’t let cuttings sit in full sun.
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No roots forming – Take cuttings earlier in summer. Use younger wood. Wound stems and apply rooting hormone.
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Small, fragile roots – Don’t disturb cuttings for 8-12 weeks. Keep soil warm longer before potting up.
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Rooted cuttings dying after potting – Acclimate gradually to sun/wind/outdoor conditions before planting outside.
Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts are unsuccessful! Take lots of cuttings and keep trying for the highest success propagating mulberries from stem cuttings.
Expand Your Mulberry Collection for Free
If you love fresh mulberries, propagate new trees from cuttings to expand your personal berry patch! Follow this simple guide for rooting mulberry cuttings taken in summer or fall. With the right amount of warmth, humidity, and patience, you can grow genetically identical mulberry trees that will quickly provide a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy mulberries.
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If youre interested in growing your own mulberry trees, you might want to try propagating them from cuttings. This is a fun project that will help you make new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. In this guide, well walk you through the process of propagating mulberries from cuttings.
Before you start propagating mulberries, youll need to gather some materials:
- Nine-inch tree pots or simple gallon pots
- Rooting hormone
- Mulberry sticks
- Parafilm
- For example, pro-mix or a mix of 25% perlite and 25% peat moss
- Heat mat
How to Grow Mulberry Trees from Cuttings | Expanding Our Fruit Trees: Beginnings of a Food Forest
FAQ
Can you start a mulberry tree from cuttings?
Can you root mulberry cuttings in water?
What time of year do you take mulberry cuttings?
Can you grow a weeping mulberry from a cutting?
How do you grow a mulberry tree from a cutting?
Simply plant cuttings (6-8 inches long) in a lightweight medium, place them in a warm location with indirect sunlight, and keep soil moist until roots form. In this article, you’ll learn the step-by-step process of growing a mulberry tree from a cutting, the benefits of doing so, and alternative propagation methods.
Can you grow mulberries from cuttings?
Propagating mulberries from cuttings is a fun and rewarding project for any gardener. With a few basic materials and some patience, you can create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to growing your own mulberry trees in no time.
How to grow mulberry trees?
Choose several cuttings to increase the chances of success. Be aware that mulberry trees produce a milky sap when cut that cause skin irritation. To improve the chances of successful root development, it’s beneficial to use a rooting hormone. I use this one for all my cuttings and usually have good success rates.
When should mulberry trees be cut?
Make sure the cuttings are taken during the dormant season, which is usually in late winter or early spring. It is important to note that there are different varieties of mulberry trees, so it is recommended to select cuttings from a variety that is well-suited to your climate and growing conditions.
