Early Bird Mulberry is a hybrid between white and red mulberry species (Morus alba x rubra) that brings fruit production into early summer across zones 4 through 9. This 30-foot deciduous tree produces abundant sweet berries starting in June, rewarding northern gardeners who've long relied on mulberries as a late-summer crop. The name captures its defining trait: it fruits earlier than standard mulberry varieties, extending the harvest window and giving you ripe berries when most gardeners are still waiting for summer fruit.
Full Sun
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4-9
360in H x ?in W
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Low
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This hybrid mulberry fruits unusually early in the season, delivering ripe berries by mid-summer rather than late August. It thrives across cold hardiness zones 4 through 9, which means gardeners in the upper Midwest and northern regions can finally grow mulberries reliably. The tree reaches full mature height at 30 feet, creating not just a fruit producer but a substantial shade tree for the landscape.
Early Bird Mulberries are primarily enjoyed fresh off the tree, where their early ripening makes them a special treat at mid-summer gatherings. The berries can be eaten straight from the branch or used in fresh applications like jams and desserts, though their early season arrival means smaller harvest windows compared to late-fruiting varieties.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Use a seed-starting mix and maintain soil temperature between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for germination. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during the germination period.
Harden off seedlings gradually over 7 to 10 days before moving them outdoors. Transplant after your last spring frost date when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed. Space trees at least 20 to 30 feet apart to allow for mature canopy spread.
Harvest Early Bird Mulberries beginning in June when berries turn fully dark (black or very dark purple depending on ripeness intensity). The fruit should come away easily from the branch with a gentle tug; unripe berries will cling to the stem. Pick regularly as berries ripen progressively through July and August, harvesting several times per week during peak season. Wear gloves or old clothing, as mulberry juice stains readily.
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