The Tasty American Mulberry: A Single Fruit Feeds a Hundred More.

10 September, 2024

Below is a guide on how to grow American sung for beginners:

1. Propagation Methods

Seed Propagation

American sung trees can be propagated by sowing seeds to obtain smaller trees. Collect seeds from ripe fruits, clean, and sun-dry them. In spring, prepare moist sandy soil and pots, and soak the seeds. Soak the seeds in warm water for a day to germinate.

Sun-dry mature fruit seeds for propagation

After soaking, sprinkle the seeds into the pot and cover them with a thin layer of fine sand. Use a plastic bag to cover the pot and keep it in a cool place indoors. After about a week, the seeds will germinate and grow into seedlings. The tree will bear fruit in a year.

Cutting Propagation

With regular pruning of American sung trees, you can cut healthy branches for propagation each spring. Generally, cut branches that are 20-30cm long, leaving only the leaves at the top.

Make a diagonal cut at the base of each cutting. Soak the cuttings in a 0.2% root-stimulating powder solution for 10 minutes, then remove and air-dry. Prepare clean river sand and fill it into flower pots. Keep the pots in a cool place, and within two weeks, the cuttings will develop roots.

The planting soil can be a mix of different types of soil. With proper care, the tree will bear fruit in its second year.

Planting for a year can yield up to 100 fruits

2. Caring for American Sung Trees

Planting Location

The location of the American sung tree is crucial as it directly affects the tree’s growth, fruiting, and productivity. American sung trees thrive when planted in a location that meets the following two criteria:

Sunlight: Ensure the tree receives at least 5 hours of sunlight daily.

Well-drained soil: American sung trees are susceptible to disease, stunted growth, and weakness if planted in damp and poorly drained areas.

American sung trees are easy to grow in pots on balconies or in gardens

Choose a Large Container

American sung trees have a robust root system to meet the tree’s nutritional needs. Therefore, they require large containers with a diameter of at least 50cm x 50cm and a depth of 40cm or more.

Alternatively, you can use V6 growing pots with a diameter of 95cm or plastic drums with a capacity of 150L or more. If using drums, remember to drill drainage holes to ensure proper ventilation and prevent waterlogging.

Adequate sunlight and water result in larger fruits

Watering

American sung trees prefer dry and well-ventilated conditions but require sufficient water to prevent leaf and fruit wilting and ensure the tree absorbs nutrients effectively. Note the following:

Water the tree daily, with the amount ranging from 2L to 10L per watering, depending on the size of the growing tree.

During the rainy season, cover the pot to prevent continuous moisture, which can cause root rot. You can skip watering or extend the interval between waterings during this period, depending on the soil’s moisture level.

Since the tree is grown in a pot, cover the pot with straw or organic materials like leaves and bean shells during the dry season to maintain moisture.

Frequently asked questions

The American mulberry is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree native to the eastern and central United States. It is known for its delicious, edible fruit, which has a sweet taste similar to blackberries or raspberries.

The trees typically begin to fruit in early summer, with the berries ripening over a period of several weeks. The fruit is ready to harvest when it turns from red to a deep purple or black color.

The berries can be eaten fresh off the tree, or used in a variety of recipes such as pies, jams, and smoothies. They are also a favorite food of birds and other wildlife.

Yes, American mulberries are a good source of nutrients, including vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. They have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, and some research suggests that they may have potential health benefits, such as improving blood sugar control and reducing inflammation.

Yes, American mulberry trees can be grown in home gardens, but they can be invasive and may require careful management. They prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil, and can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.