Trader Mulberry

The Mulberry 'Trader' has a fascinating background as it was originally brought to the United States from Germany in 1892 by the Trader family and was planted on their farm in North Dakota. Despite being over 100 years old, the original tree still produces fruit. The 'Trader' mulberry has a prolonged ripening period that starts from early July and continues until September. The mulberries are approximately 1-1.5 inches long, juicy, and have a sweet mulberry flavor that starts off tart when ripe and becomes sweeter in a few days. The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried and can also be used to make pies, jellies, juice, or wine. Moreover, the fruit is highly nutritious and has various health benefits. 

Latin Name: Morus nigra

Site and Soil: Mulberry Bush 'Trader' prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including alkaline and clay soils.

Pollination Requirements: Mulberry Bush 'Trader' is self-fertile, meaning it does not require a second tree for pollination.

Hardiness: Mulberry Bush 'Trader' is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°F.

Bearing Age: Mulberry Bush 'Trader' typically begins bearing fruit 2-3 years after planting.

Size at Maturity: At maturity, Mulberry Bush 'Trader' can reach a height of 8-10 feet with a spread of 6-8 feet.

Bloom Time: Mulberry Bush 'Trader' produces inconspicuous flowers in early spring, which are followed by fruit in late spring or early summer.

Ripening Time: The fruit of Mulberry Bush 'Trader' ripens from mid to late summer, typically in July and August.

Yield: Mulberry Bush 'Trader' can produce a heavy crop of fruit, with a mature tree yielding 10-20 pounds of fruit per year.

Pests & Diseases: Mulberry Bush 'Trader' is generally resistant to pests and diseases but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soil. Birds may also be attracted to the fruit and can be deterred with netting.

USDA Zone: Mulberry Bush 'Trader' is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.