How do you grow mulberry from cuttings? Take dormant hardwood mulberry cuttings in late fall or winter, or softwood cuttings in early summer. Cut 4–8 inch (10–20 cm) stem pieces with at least two buds, dip the base in rooting hormone and keep them in moist mix with warm roots. University of Guam Extension says mulberry roots readily in moist, shady conditions.
Key takeaway: Mulberry cuttings are one of the easiest ways to start a fruiting tree that matches its parent. University of California Cooperative Extension lists both softwood and hardwood cuttings as standard propagation methods for mulberry (Morus), and University of Guam Extension calls mulberry a fast-to-fruit tree, bearing in one to two years.
| Factor | Guideline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood timing | Late fall to early winter, after leaf drop | University of Missouri Extension |
| Softwood option | Young wood in a closed cold frame | UC Cooperative Extension |
| Cutting length | 2 in (5 cm) in mix plus 2–6 in (5–15 cm) above, 2+ buds | Purdue Extension |
| Root-zone warmth | 65–75°F (18–24°C) | Purdue Extension |
| Rooting time (hardwood) | About 2–4 months | Purdue Extension |
| Time to fruit | About 1–2 years | University of Guam Extension |
When Should You Take Mulberry Cuttings?
Take hardwood mulberry cuttings while the tree is dormant. University of Missouri Extension says hardwood cuttings of deciduous plants are taken in late fall or early winter after a hard frost, and Purdue Extension adds that they can be cut through early spring. Softwood cuttings of young summer growth also work, according to UC Cooperative Extension.
- Hardwood: leafless wood that grew last summer, cut in the dormant season.
- Softwood: soft new shoots in late spring or early summer.
- Pick: robust, pencil-thick stems from a healthy tree.
Which Mulberry Should You Propagate?
Choose the type that suits your climate. UC Cooperative Extension says white mulberry (Morus alba) grows in all areas of the US, while black mulberry (M. nigra) only grows in warm climates. Fruitless selections such as ‘Stribling’, ‘Kingan’ and ‘Urban’ are male trees used for shade. For berries, cut from a tree you know fruits well.
Because cuttings are clones, the new tree will copy the parent’s fruit size and flavor, which seedlings may not.
How Do You Prepare Hardwood Mulberry Cuttings?
Follow Purdue Extension’s method. Cut a 1–2 foot (30–60 cm) length of last summer’s wood, trim just below a node, mark a line 2 inches (5 cm) above the cut, then make a second cut 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) above the line, leaving at least two buds. Remove buds from the bottom 2 inches (5.1 cm) so they will not sprout during rooting.
- Cut a robust stem of last season’s wood.
- Trim just below a node at the base.
- Keep at least two buds above the rooting zone.
- Rub off buds on the bottom 2 inches (5 cm).
- Wound the base with two 1 inch (2.5 cm) bark slices.
- Dip the lowest 1 inch (2.5 cm) in rooting hormone.
- Stick the cutting in damp mix up to the line.
Do Mulberry Cuttings Need Rooting Hormone?
Use it on hardwood. Purdue Extension says hardwood cuttings are harder to root than softwood and recommends wounding the base, then applying rooting hormone to the lowest 1 inch (2.5 cm) of stem. Stronger formulations are generally used for hardwood cuttings. Our rooting hormone guide explains powders, gels and liquid concentrations for mulberry cuttings.
How Do You Root Mulberry Cuttings Over Winter?
Keep the tops cold and the roots warm. Purdue Extension suggests setting the pot on a heating system in a cold garage: cold air stops buds from leafing out, while the heater keeps the rooting mix at 65–75°F (18–24°C). The air can drop below freezing if the mix stays warm. A seedling heat mat is a simple way to supply that bottom heat.
How Do You Root Softwood Mulberry Cuttings?
Use a closed, humid structure. UC Cooperative Extension says mulberry cuttings of young or ripened wood can be placed in a closed cold frame or other enclosure, and University of Guam Extension notes the cuttings root readily in a moist, shady environment. A clear dome or bag over a pot, kept out of direct sun, recreates that at home.
- Mix: moist, sterile and free-draining, with no fertilizer.
- Light: bright shade, not direct sun.
- Check: keep the mix damp but never soggy.
How Long Do Mulberry Cuttings Take to Root?
Hardwood is slow. Purdue Extension says hardwood cuttings may take two to four months to form roots, so be patient through winter. Purdue also notes that softwood cuttings root more readily than hardwood, so summer cuttings in a humid enclosure are usually quicker. Tug gently before potting; resistance means roots are holding. Grape hardwood follows a similar routine, as our grape cuttings guide shows.
Can You Root Mulberry Cuttings in Water?
Some growers try, but the extension methods above all use a rooting mix. If you experiment, change the water often and pot up as soon as roots appear, since water roots adapt poorly to soil. Our fig cuttings in water guide covers fig, a close relative of mulberry.
Where Should You Plant a Rooted Mulberry?
Give it room. UC Cooperative Extension says mulberries can grow 20–60 feet (6–18 m) tall, have heavy surface roots, and should be planted at least 6 feet (1.8 m) from walkways, driveways and foundations. Grow them in full sun or light shade in deep, moist, well-drained loam. University of Guam Extension recommends controlling height through pruning, which UC advises doing in winter after leaf drop.
Are There Other Ways to Propagate Mulberry?
Yes. University of Guam Extension lists hardwood cuttings, air layering and grafting, and UC Cooperative Extension adds seed. Grafting and cuttings both keep the parent’s fruit, while seed-grown trees may differ from the parent. For most home growers, mulberry cuttings remain the cheapest, simplest route.
FAQ About Mulberry Cuttings
When do you take mulberry cuttings?
Late fall to winter for hardwood, early summer for softwood.
How long should mulberry cuttings be?
About 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) with at least two buds.
Do mulberry cuttings need rooting hormone?
It helps hardwood cuttings root.
How long do mulberry cuttings take to root?
Hardwood cuttings may take two to four months.
Will a mulberry cutting fruit?
Yes, if taken from a fruiting tree; mulberry often bears in 1–2 years.
How far from a house should mulberry be planted?
At least 6 feet (1.8 m) from foundations and paving.
Sources
- University of California Cooperative Extension — Fruitless Mulberry Tree, Morus alba
- University of Guam Cooperative Extension — Mulberry
- Purdue Extension — New Plants From Cuttings
- University of Missouri Extension — Propagating Plants (G6970)
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Black mulberry fruit (Morus nigra) by Beko (CC BY-SA 4.0); Morus alba – fruit and leaves by Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata (CC BY-SA 4.0); Morus alba fruits by B.navez (CC BY-SA 3.0)