Mulberries
A slow-growing tree with delicate dark fruit best eaten straight after picking.
Mulberries (Young tree)
£24.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
November–March from a young tree
Plant out
Give the tree a permanent sheltered spot and pick fruit when it drops easily.
Harvest
July–September
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 8+ hours a day, against a warm, south-facing wall for best results.
Water
Keep consistently moist during the growing season and when fruiting. Reduce significantly in winter.
Soil
Well-drained, moderately fertile soil, pH 6.0–7.0. Figs do well in restricted root growth.
Spacing
2–3m (6–10ft) apart when planting in the ground; can be grown in large containers.
Containers
Excellent in large pots (min. 45-60cm diameter) to restrict root growth, which encourages fruiting. Overwinter in a sheltered, frost-free place.
Indoors
Can be grown in a conservatory or unheated greenhouse, or overwintered indoors if in pots.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Apply balanced general-purpose fertiliser in spring. For container figs, feed fortnightly with a high-potash liquid feed during summer.
Pruning
Prune in late winter/early spring to remove dead/damaged wood and shape. Prune again in summer to remove excess leafy growth and expose fruit.
Harvesting
Give the tree a permanent sheltered spot and pick fruit when it drops easily.
Storage
Best eaten fresh. Store in the fridge for a few days or freeze for later use in cooking.
Good companions: Lavender, Marigolds, Rosemary