Mulberries for Containers: From a Low-Maintenance Certainty to Exotic Rarities

Mulberries, once a common feature of old gardens, are making a comeback. These trees offer not only delicious fruit but also a surprising diversity. Did you know you can grow a bountiful harvest even on a small balcony or patio?

The world of container-friendly mulberries is divided into two camps. On one side stands the low-maintenance and hardy certainty that will bring you joy with almost no effort. On the other side lurks an exotic challenge for enthusiasts, which offers fruits from another world in exchange for extra care. Let's look at four representatives from both of these worlds.

A Carefree Choice for Everyone: The Dwarf Champion

If you're looking for a mulberry that is reliable, undemanding, and ideal for our climate, this variety is made for you.

Gerardi Dwarf (Morus alba x Morus rubra)

This American variety is the perfect choice for small gardens and balconies. Its biggest advantage is its dwarf and compact habit combined with high frost hardiness, allowing for hassle-free cultivation both in the ground and in a container.

  • Growth Habit: Weak and compact, reaching a height of only 2 meters.
  • Fruit and Taste: Black fruits (2-3 cm) ripen gradually from June to August. The flesh is seedless, with a distinctly sweet and aromatic flavor (up to 20 °Brix).
  • Yield: High, stable, and regular, often starting in the second year after planting.
  • Frost Hardiness: Excellent, down to -23 °C.

Conclusion: An ideal choice for beginners and for anyone who wants a reliable harvest of sweet fruits without special care and with minimal space requirements.

An Exotic Challenge for Enthusiasts: Treasures from Pakistan

These varieties of the species Morus macroura are for true connoisseurs. They offer fruits of unseen dimensions and unique flavor. However, their cultivation requires more attention.

Common Rules for the Exotics:
All Pakistani varieties start their growing season very early and are therefore sensitive to late spring frosts. In our climate, their cultivation is possible exclusively in containers, with overwintering in a protected, cool space (e.g., an unheated greenhouse, garage, or cellar).

Pakistan Red

An exotic variety that rewards the effort with exceptionally large and tasty red fruits.

  • Growth Habit: In a container, it grows to 1.5-2 m with a weeping crown.
  • Fruit and Taste: Extremely large fruits with a length of 7-8 cm. When they turn dark red, they are ripe and have an original, sweet, and aromatic flavor.
  • Ripening Time: From late June to mid-August.

Pakistan White

A very rare variety with extra-long fruits, which is a true delicacy for gourmets.

  • Growth Habit: In a container, it grows to 1.5-2 m with a weeping crown.
  • Fruit and Taste: Incredibly long fruits, up to 10 cm and more. At full ripeness, they are light yellow and have an extra sweet, honey-like, and aromatic flavor (over 20 °Brix).
  • Ripening Time: Late June.

Taiwan Long

Impresses with extremely long, slender black fruits. It is the right choice for anyone who wants to grow a truly unconventional and impressive fruit.

  • Growth Habit: In a container, it grows to 1.5-2 m with a weeping crown.
  • Fruit and Taste: Very long fruits with a length of 8-10 cm (max 12 cm). They are tastiest when burgundy-red; at full ripeness, they are black. The taste is honey-sweet and aromatic.
  • Ripening Time: From late June to mid-July.

Hardiness or Exclusivity? Choose Your Story
The world of mulberries offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a reliable tree that will bring you joy for years without worries, or you long for an exclusive collector's item that will amaze every visitor, your ideal mulberry exists. Discover mulberries for every type of grower in our selection and find yours.

Final Selection Guide: Which Variety is for You?

  • If you are a beginner, have limited space, or want a carefree harvest: Your clear choice is Gerardi Dwarf. It is frost-hardy, compact, and extremely productive.
  • If you are an experienced grower, have space for overwintering, and desire something unique: Choose from the exotic varieties:
    • For huge red fruits, go for Pakistan Red.
    • For extremely long and honey-sweet white fruits, choose Pakistan White.
    • For the longest black fruits, there is Taiwan Long.

Whether you choose a reliable certainty or embark on an exotic adventure, growing a mulberry in a container is a great way to enjoy this delicious fruit even without a large garden.

Which of these varieties would be the best fit for your balcony or patio? Let us know in the comments!