White Mulberry Tree Seeds

White Mulberry Tree Seeds

(Morus alba) 

Morus alba, commonly known as the White Mulberry, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to China, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years, primarily for feeding silkworms. It has since spread widely across the world, thriving in temperate and subtropical regions. The tree can grow to heights of 30 to 60 feet, with a broad, rounded crown and a sturdy trunk. Its leaves vary in shape, sometimes lobed and sometimes unlobed, with a bright green color that deepens as the season progresses.

The white mulberry produces small, greenish flowers in spring, with male and female flowers often found on separate trees, although some individuals are monoecious. The fruit resembles a blackberry in shape but can range from white to pinkish to dark purple when fully ripe, despite the tree’s name. The berries are sweet and juicy, enjoyed fresh or dried, and are also used in jams, wines, and herbal preparations.

This species is valued for its resilience, tolerating poor soils, drought, and pollution, making it a popular choice for urban planting and erosion control. Beyond its role in sericulture, Morus alba has a history in traditional medicine, with its leaves, bark, and fruit used for various remedies. Its ability to naturalize has made it both a useful and, in some regions, invasive plant, capable of outcompeting native vegetation if not managed.

Zones: 7 to 10

Germination Range: 50-70%

Stratification Requirement: 1-3 months cold moist stratification

Planting Instructions:

Cold moist stratify your seeds for 1-3 months in your fridge. Add seeds to a zip-lock bag, half filled with moist seed starting mix. 

After stratification, prepare a well-draining seed-starting mix or a light potting soil in seed trays or small pots. Sow the seeds on the surface or just lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged throughout the germination period. Place the containers in a warm, bright location, ideally where the temperature stays between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29 degrees Celsius).

Germination typically takes two to four weeks, though it can vary depending on conditions. Once the seedlings develop several true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Young Morus alba plants require regular watering until established but are generally quite hardy and drought-tolerant as they mature.