Mulberry tree advice

11 years ago

Hello all,

I have a question and am hoping some mulberry experts can offer some advice! I recently had my first mulberry (where have you been all my life!) and really would like to add one to my orchard. My issue is the planting spaces left are what I feel is too near my in-ground pool or other concrete structures in my home. I read they have a highly invasive root system and don't want to take any chances. So my question is this... If my husband built a very large planting box, say 4' x '4 x 4', would the tree planted in there do okay? I am looking at the Black Beauty mulberry which is a smaller variety which at it's max height is 15'. I'd do serious pruning to keep it smallish. We have a lot of open areas for the canopy to spread out, I'm just not so sure on those roots.

On another note, does anyone grow the Black Beauty and how do you like the berries? I had a Pakistan berry which I have read is a bit different in flavor.

Thanks for any feedback!

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Comments (6)

zendog
11 years ago
Try a dwarf gerardi. They only get to about 6 feet tall so won't have a huge root system and they have excellent tasting fruit. The only one selling them I know of is Whitman Farms. Heck put in a few and have more fruit to enjoy.
aliaub
Original Author
11 years ago
I had not read about that variety. I will look in to it, thanks! Bay Laurel has a dwarf bush (morus nigra) that gets 6-8 ft tall. Maybe I can get one of each... I'm in 9a btw in sunny, hot Phoenix.
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zendog
11 years ago
Hmm... don't know how the Gerardi will do with that warmth, but you should call Lucille Whitman and ask her. She is friendly and very helpful. I would definitely try the nigra as well, I'd you have the space. I always prefer to try a few kinds of ahh type of plant since you may find one does particular well in your weather, soil, etc.
Kevin Reilly
11 years ago
I just got that dwarf morus nigra up here in San Jose. It was a DWN item.
aliaub
Original Author
11 years ago
How is that tree looking, mellkeeatplants? Did it fruit at all this year?
bleedingdirt (San Jose, CA Zone 9B)
11 years ago
Hi mellkeeatplants, I'm in San Jose too. Where did you find that mulberry bush?