How to Grow Mulberry Plant | Growing Shahtoot Trees

Shahtoot is really a rare sight these days and if you want to enjoy its tasty berries, then here’s all you need to know about How to Grow Mulberry Plant in your garden!

Mulberry is a deciduous large shrub, famous for its sweet and juicy berries that also attract birds and bees around. If you like them too and want to have your own harvest, then here’s all you need to know about How to Grow Mulberry Plant!

What is the Scientific Name of Mulberry Tree: Morus alba

Learn everything about how to grow Ice Plant here

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How to Grow Mulberry Tree?

You can either grow a mulberry tree from cuttings or get a well-grown plant from a nursery.

• Snip off 8-10 inches long cutting from the established plant.
• Make sure the cutting has at least 3-4 buds on it.
• Take off the lower leaves and plant the cutting in a well-draining growing medium.
• Water well and locate it where it gets bright, indirect light.
• Once the cutting starts to grow a new set of leaves and gets established, transplant it into the garden.

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Shahtoot in English

Shahtoot in English is popular by the name mulberry in India. Though people prefer to call it in the local language, which differs from region to region. Mulberry meaning in Hindi on the other hand is Shahtoot.

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Growing Requirements of Mulberry Tree

Sunlight

Mulberry does well in 5-6 hours of full sunlight. If you want the best berries, do make sure that the tree gets plenty of direct sun once it establishes.

Soil

The plant grows best in well-draining, porous, and fertile soil with a pH of 6-7. However, you can grow it directly in the garden soil and it will thrive really well. Amend the growing medium with plenty of organic matter, vermicompost and cow dung manure at the time of planting to give it a boost in growth.

Watering

The plant needs consistently moist soil to grow well. Water the mulberry plant whenever the topsoil feels dry to the touch. Once the tree gets established, you don’t have to look after watering. It will take care of itself.

Climate

The tropical climate of India serves just right for its growth and won’t mind staying in a warm environment, with temperatures in the region of 36-40 C, once it attains good growth.

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Taking Care of Mulberry Tree

Fertilizer

Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once in 5-8 weeks during the growing phase. Once it establishes, you don’t have to feed shahtoot at all.

Pruning

Prune the plant to maintain its size right after the fruiting season. Also, snip away dead, damaged, and diseased branches occasionally.

Pests and Diseases

The plant can be susceptible to whiteflies, mealybugs, spider mites, and scales when it is young. They can be easily knocked off using a strong jet of water. Once it matures, it will protect itself from potential pests and diseases.

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Harvesting Mulberries

Start picking the berries when they get a deep maroon color. Mulberries usually start dropping from the shrub when ripe. Place a sheet under the tree and shake the limbs. The ripe berries will drop on their own.

You can use them for making pies and juice or simply relish the berries raw!