The American mulberry tree is a popular choice for many due to its ease of cultivation, hardiness, and low maintenance. Join us as we explore the characteristics, cultivation methods, and sources for this fascinating plant!
1 What is the American Mulberry Tree?
The American mulberry, also known as sweet mulberry, is a shrub native to West Asia, despite its widespread cultivation in South America. It can grow to heights ranging from 5 to 20 feet, and even up to 60 feet in ideal conditions. This tree is distinguished by its large, lobed leaves, resembling those of the grapevine. Additionally, its leaves are not suitable for raw consumption, and its fruits develop in the leaf axils rather than in clusters, as seen in the native mulberry.
American mulberries can be grown year-round
This variety of mulberry offers a year-round harvest, with average yields ranging from 200 to 300 fruits per season. When cultivated in Vietnam, the American mulberry can bear fruit after just six months, with ripe fruits ready for harvest a month later.
2 Significance of the American Mulberry Tree
The American mulberry holds symbolic value in feng shui due to its deep purple-red fruits and heavy-laden branches, representing abundance, prosperity, and family happiness. It is also prized for its ornamental value, producing delicious, sweet, and juicy fruits.
Additionally, the fruits of the American mulberry are used to make a healthy beverage through fermentation, known for its digestive and detoxifying properties.
Significance of the American Mulberry Tree
3 Types of American Mulberry Trees
There are over 700 varieties of American mulberry trees, each differing in fruit color, shape, size, and overall quality and productivity. However, not all types are equally favored.
The Ponte Tresa, Bourijasotte Noire, Bordissot Negra Rimada, Jinaofen, and Coll De Dama Negra are among the most sought-after varieties of American mulberry at present.
Popular American mulberry varieties
4 Cultivation and Care Tips for the American Mulberry Tree
Planting American Mulberry Trees
The American mulberry is relatively easy to cultivate and does not demand excessive attention. Here are some guidelines for successful planting:
Soil Requirements
American mulberries thrive in loamy soil with a slight sandy texture, yielding abundant and sizable fruits.
American mulberries thrive in loamy soil with a slight sandy texture, such as basaltic red soil, loam, sandy loam, or mucky soil. Ensure that the planting site does not suffer from waterlogging to promote healthy growth.
The soil should be well-aerated, porous, and drained, particularly around the roots. It should also retain sufficient nutrients to support the tree’s development and fruiting. Moreover, ensure that the soil is free from pathogens to prevent potential harm to the tree.
Planting Season
American mulberries can be planted at any time of the year.
American mulberries can be planted at any time of the year. However, for optimal productivity, consider planting between February and March in northern Vietnam or at the onset of the rainy season in the south.
Additionally, it is advisable to avoid extreme heat when planting and opt for early mornings after the dew has evaporated to give your young tree the best start.
Selecting American Mulberry Saplings
American mulberry saplings cultivated in Vietnam are propagated through two primary methods: seed germination and grafting.
For seed germination:
– Obtain seeds from reputable sources to ensure high germination rates.
– Soak the seeds for several hours before sowing to enhance germination. Maintain adequate moisture and light levels, and germination should occur within a week.
– However, this method often results in lower survival rates and shorter growth periods, making it less popular.
Development stages of the American mulberry, from seed to fruit-bearing tree.
For grafting:
– Grafting is the more common and preferred method for propagating American mulberries. Select healthy, pest-free stock trees to ensure the grafted tree thrives and bears fruit abundantly.
Grafting produces high-quality American mulberry trees.
Caring for Your American Mulberry Tree
Maintaining your American mulberry tree is straightforward and involves periodic fertilization, appropriate watering, pruning, and shaping. Remain vigilant for common pests like borers and aphids, and take preventive measures to safeguard your tree.
Caring for your American mulberry tree
Choosing Healthy American Mulberry Saplings
When selecting saplings, pay close attention to the quality of the roots, ensuring they are numerous and robust. Look for vibrant, green shoots, and healthy branches and stems. Such characteristics indicate that the sapling will be easier to care for and more likely to thrive.
If you’re ordering saplings from a distance, opt for older, woodier trees with sturdy branches and careful packaging. This ensures that the tree will be more resilient and require less intensive care upon arrival.
Choosing healthy American mulberry saplings
5 Where to Buy American Mulberry Trees in Ho Chi Minh City?
American mulberry trees are available at Cay Xanh Gia Gia Nguyen and Lucky Garden.
You can purchase American mulberry trees from reputable nurseries like Cay Xanh Gia Gia Nguyen and Lucky Garden, with prices ranging from 90,000 to 120,000 VND per tree.
- Cay Xanh Gia Nguyen: 61, Street 12, Van Phuc Urban Area, Hiep Binh Phuoc Ward, Thu Duc City.
- Lucky Garden: 70C Nguyen Phi Khanh, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1.
Alternatively, explore online platforms like Shopee and Sendo to source American mulberry trees conveniently.
American mulberry trees are also available on Shopee and Sendo.
This concludes our overview of the American mulberry, including its characteristics, cultivation methods, and reputable sources for purchasing this delightful tree. We hope you found this information valuable, and we wish you vibrant health and happy gardening!