How to Grow Mulberry Trees from Seed

Mulberries don't have pods—their seeds are inside the fruit. Here's how to extract and grow them.

Seed Extraction

1. Collect ripe berries (dark purple/red).
2. Mash through a fine sieve; wash pulp away under running water.
3. Collect tiny seeds; dry on paper towel 2–3 days.

Stratification & Sowing

1. Surface-sow on moist soil (light aids germination).
2. Seal pot in plastic bag; refrigerate 60–90 days.
3. Move to warmth (70°F); remove bag. Keep moist.
4. Germination sporadic over 2–6 weeks.

Seedling Care

• Transplant to individual pots when handleable.
• Grow under 40W fluorescent lights, 8 inches above.
• After last frost: harden off 10 days in shade, then full sun.
• Fast growth—can reach 3–4 feet in first year.

Notes

• Birds disperse seeds widely—volunteers are common.
• Seedlings may be male (no fruit) or female; takes years to know.
• For known fruiting females, buy grafted trees.

Easy to start, but sex and quality are a lottery. Fun for wildlife plantings; less so for orchards.