Mulberry (Morus nigra) PAKISTAN BLACK

Himalayan Mulberry (Morus macroura) 'Pakistan Black'

The king of mulberries featuring stunning 12 cm long fruits and a fantastic flavor reminiscent of blackberries and raspberries.

The 'Pakistan Black' variety is arguably the most sought-after long-fruited mulberry in the world. This "king of the garden" impresses not only with the extreme length of its dark fruits but especially with their rich, complex flavor. With its massive heart-shaped leaves, the tree has a distinctly tropical look. In our climate, it is perfect for container growing, becoming a luxurious center-piece for any patio or sunroom, rewarding you with a flood of delicate fruit every summer.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Extreme fruit length: Fascinating dark fruits reach a length of 8 to 12 cm.
• Top-tier flavor: Intensely sweet with a subtle, balanced acidity (tastes like a mix of blackberries and raspberries).
• Parthenocarpy: Produces seedless fruit without the need for a pollinator.
• Firmer texture: The berries are more resistant to crushing than common mulberries.
• High resistance: Naturally pest and disease resistant, ideal for organic growing.
• Exotic appearance with massive decorative leaves.

Origin and History

• Origin: Himalayan region (Pakistan, Northern India, Tibet).
• History: This is the original, classic selection from which color mutations like the white and red versions later emerged. It spread to Europe in the 1980s.

Variety Characteristics

Tree and Habit

• Vigor: Medium to vigorous. When grown in containers, it can easily be maintained at 2 to 3 meters with pruning.
• Habit: Forms a spreading crown with massive, deep green leaves that evoke a tropical atmosphere.
• Pollination: The variety is parthenocarpic. It does not require another mulberry for pollination and fruits on one-year-old wood.

Fruit

• Size and Color: Extremely long, slender cylinders (8–12 cm). They change color from green to red and finally to a deep purple-black when fully ripe.
• Flavor: Considered one of the best-tasting mulberries. It has a high sugar content balanced by a slight acidity that gives the flavor depth.
• Attributes: Meaty, juicy, and without hard seeds. Note: The dark ripe fruits stain strongly (similar to blueberries or blackberries).

Resistance and Requirements

• Hardiness: Limited (withstands frosts down to -12 °C to -15 °C / 5 °F). Requires wintering in a cool room, garage, or unheated greenhouse.
• Diseases: Features excellent natural immunity, making chemical-free cultivation possible.
• Spring Frosts: Since it buds very early, it is recommended to move it outdoors only after the risk of late frosts has passed.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Location: Requires full sun and a warm, sheltered spot.
• Container: For optimal growth, choose a large pot (at least 30–50 liters) with high-quality soil and provide regular fertilization during the season.

Harvest and Yield

• Harvest Time: Very long season—fruits ripen gradually from late June through August.
• Yield: High and regular, starting as early as the 2nd year after planting.