Mulberry
Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT · CC BY 3.0
outdoor gardenbeginnerstem cuttinglayering

How to Propagate Mulberry

Morus spp.

Methods Stem cutting (hardwood), layering
Difficulty Beginner
Best season Winter–spring
Time to root 4–8 weeks
Group Outdoor / garden

Like pomegranate, mulberry roots easily from hardwood cuttings — one of the more forgiving fruit trees on this list, with no grafting required.

Stem cutting (hardwood)

  1. In late winter, cut 8–10 inch sections of dormant wood.
  2. Insert two-thirds of the length into well-draining soil.
  3. Keep in a bright spot; roots develop as it warms in spring.

Layering

A reliable backup if cuttings don’t take. Bend a low, flexible branch to the ground, wound the underside lightly, and bury that section a few inches deep with the tip exposed. Keep it moist. Roots form over a season, then cut it free from the parent.

When to propagate

Late winter through spring, while dormant, for cuttings. Layering is started during the growing season and separated the following year.

Common problems

Cutting rotted before budding. Use well-draining mix and avoid overwatering while dormant.

Questions people ask

Will the new tree fruit true to the parent? Yes — cuttings reliably match the parent’s fruit characteristics.

Soil & cutting methods hub · Similar plants: Fig, Elderberry