How to grow Mulberries in your balcony garden: Easy step-by-step guide for beginners

Mulberries are soft, sweet, and juicy, and are one of those fruits that taste best when picked and relished directly from the branch; especially when you plant and raise them yourself, the taste is different.

Before delving into a plethora of thoughts about how to grow them, it is important to know that you do not need to be an expert.Mulberry trees are easy to grow and do well in good sunlight in a variety of soil types and, once settled, do not need extensive care and easily adapt to the surroundings.Here is an easy step-by-step guide to growing mulberries at home for beginners

Mulberry plants can be planted in two ways: cuttings or fruit

You can grow mulberry from a stem cutting or from the seeds inside ripe fruit. Cuttings are the faster choice; for this, take semi-ripe cuttings during summer, while hardwood cuttings are taken in autumn. Choose a healthy branch which is about 8 to 12 inches long, and make a clean angled cut; remove the lower leaves, nd leave atleast two or three at the top.

If you choose planting the tree with seeds, then separate out the seeds from ripe fruit and wash off the pulp.

Root the cutting or sow the seeds

Place cuttings in pots of damp, well-draining mix and keep them out of strong sun until they root, because full sun can spoil and burn the new growth.

For growing with seeds, you need more patience. Begin by chilling them in the fridge for four to sixteen weeks to improve germination. Afterwards, sow them in a seed-starting mix and keep it lightly moist. Cover the tray lightly until sprouts appear. It is also important to keep in mind that some cuttings might fail, so plant several to improve your chances.

Pot or plant your sapling

Once your cutting has roots or your seedling has grown, it is time to move it. For a pot, pick a large container, around 50 to 60 cm wide and deep, with good drainage holes. Fill it with rich, well-draining potting mix, garden soil, and compost. Place the plant, firm the soil gently, and water well.

Give it sun and water

Mulberries love sunshine, so place the pot in a spot that receives enough sunlight, around six to eight hours each day. While the plant is young, keep the soil consistently moist, but do not leave it soggy. Once established, mulberry trees are fairly adaptable and tolerate dry spells quite well once established and grown well.

Feed with compost and prune for more fruit

Potted mulberries require regular compost, so it is important to feed them every 15 days and add compost or slow-release fertilizer every two to three months. Pruning keeps the plant tidy and productive; remove weak, dry, or overgrown branches and always use clean, sharp tools for the same.