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Black Mulberry (Morus nigra)
24 SEK
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SEEDS (50 pcs/bag)
Common name: Black mulberry, Black mulberry tree
Scientific name: Morus nigra
Family: Moraceae
Plant history & use:
Mulberry trees are among our oldest cultivated plants. The black mulberry tree, like the white variety, Morus alba, originates from West Asia – however, the black mulberry tree arrived in Europe a few hundred years before the white one. The earliest known finds of the black mulberry tree date back to around 300 BC. It is possible that Morus nigra originates somewhat further southwest (closer to Europe) in West Asia than its relative Morus alba, which may explain why Morus nigra has slightly less hardiness in cold climates than its relative.
Traditionally, the black mulberry was used to make wine and cosmetics – thanks to its high concentration of anthocyanins which give the berry its deep dark color. But the berries were also grown for fresh consumption.
Unlike the white mulberry tree’s fruits, which can vary in color, the black mulberry tree’s fruits are always black when ripe. The black mulberry is also more tart.
The berries are rich in antioxidants and are believed, like tea made from mulberry leaves, to help balance blood sugar levels. This is thanks to the content of the substance MFE which stabilizes blood sugar levels and thus reduces the body's craving for sweets. Therefore, mulberries are a common substitute for those who want to overcome sugar cravings.
Due to the berries’ unusually high nutritional content, mulberries, like goji berry, are considered a so-called "superfood".
Besides mulberry wine, you can also make juice and jam from the berries.
You can brew a healthy tea from the leaves, which has historically been drunk in China and has recently started to become popular again in Asia.
Cultivation:
Withstands temperatures down to -25°C. The tree can grow in most soils but thrives best in loose, nutrient-rich soils. Hardy in windy coastal climates but optimal growth occurs in warm, sheltered locations.
Well suited as a trellis tree since the branches are easily bendable.
Mulberry trees also do well in forest gardens as they are a popular host plant for many organisms and provide recurring harvests without much care, while also protecting plants in the lower layers.
Mulberries are self-fertile, meaning only one tree is needed to bear fruit.
Prune in winter when the tree is dormant to avoid excessive "bleeding," which is otherwise a common trait of mulberry plants.
The berries ripen continuously from mid-summer to early autumn.
The berries are harvested when their color changes from red to coal black. A tip is to pick the berries with a needle to avoid crushing them between your fingers.
Sowing:
Mulberry seeds germinate best if given a cold period of 2-3 months. To induce this, mix the seeds with a small amount of sand/peat/seed soil and place in a plastic bag in the fridge for the above period. Check regularly if any seeds have sprouted in the bag. When the cold period is over, gently spread the contents of the bag in a pot with soil.
Alternatively, sow outdoors in February in a glass-covered seed bed or greenhouse.
It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the seeds to germinate. However, some seeds may need up to 12 months before they sprout.
Characteristics:
Lifespan: Perennial
Growing position: sun
Height: 5-10 m
Germination time: 1-12 months
Growing zone: 1-4
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