Primarily used as a rootstock for grafting named varieties of female mulberries for fruit production, or for wildlife plantings. Russian Mulberry Seedlings will be either male or female, with females producing fruit that is typically smaller and less flavorful than from grafted varieties, with a longer interval until bearing age compared to grafted female varieties. Originally cultivated by the Chinese for silkworm production about 2800 B.C. , it has naturalized throughout North America. Fruit can be white, red or black. Half on average will be fruitful, half will be nonfruiting males.
ZONE: 5-9, reported hardy to -46F, which is zone 3
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Self-fruitful. Wind pollinated.
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Full sun, balanced moisture, reduce grass competition in root zone. Top dress with compost yearly. Will grow in wide-ranging soil conditions. Dormant prune for airflow, height and ease of harvest. Mature trees comparatively large and well-rooted. To use leaves and branches for animal forage, prune to bush form for yearly shearing. Mid-late season ripening if female.
CHILL HOURS: 300-500 hours below 45F
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Average.
SIZE AT MATURITY: 15-25' x 18'.
