Morus species

• Mulberry

The seed germinates best if it is given 2 - 3 months cold stratification^[1][2]. Sow February in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This is a hybrid and will not breed true to type.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Plant out in spring. A good percentage take, though they sometimes fail to thrive^[3][4]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, 25 - 30cm with a heel of 2 year old wood, autumn or early spring in a cold frame or a shady bed outside^[3][4][5]. Bury the cuttings to threequarters of their depth.

Layering in autumn^[5].

Prefers a warm well-drained loamy soil in a sunny position^[6][7].

This cultivar, a cross between the red and the white mulberry, is a very hardy and productive clone. Its young grafts are very vigorous. Mulberries have brittle roots and so need to be handled with care when planting them out^[8]. Any pruning should only be carried out in the winter when the plant is fully dormant because mulberries bleed badly when cut^[8]. Ideally prune only badly placed branches and dead wood^[8].

Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus^[5].