Growing Mulberry Trees in Pots is the Answer to Easy, Homegrown Fruit in Even the Tiniest Yard
You can still grow delicious fruits in tiny yards
If you garden on a balcony, patio or pocket-sized plot, growing fruit trees can feel out of reach – but mulberries are far more container-friendly than many realise. While some species can soar to 50 feet when planted in the ground, compact and dwarf varieties are perfectly suited to life in pots. With the right container, a sunny position and careful pruning, you can grow a productive mulberry tree in even the smallest of spaces.
Early spring – including March in many regions – is an ideal time to plant, repot or top-dress mulberries grown in containers, just as they begin to stir from dormancy. Not only will you be rewarded with sweet fruits in summer, but mulberries also earn their place in ornamental displays. Their heart-shaped foliage and beautifully gnarled bark add structure and character year-round, while the deciduous leaves can turn glowing shades of orange and yellow in fall, extending seasonal interest long after harvest.
Plant Care for Mulberry Trees in Pots
‘Mulberry trees might not be the first species that comes to mind when thinking about the best fruit trees for small gardens and containers, but they can be successfully grown in pots,’ says plant expert Katie Sunderlage, based in Wisconsin. Dwarf everbearing mulberry trees are available from Amazon, making it easy to source compact varieties suited to patios and balconies.
Start with the right container. Choose a large pot at least 12 to 20 inches wide, although established specimens may require something bigger over time.
Position it in a sheltered, sunny spot where the tree will receive at least six hours of direct sun each day; the more sunshine your mulberry enjoys, the more flowers and fruit it will produce.
Good drainage is essential. Add one to two inches of horticultural grit or perlite to the base of the pot to prevent waterlogging (perlite is available from Walmart.). Then fill with an all-purpose potting mix enriched with organic matter.
‘Next, fill the pot using an all-purpose potting soil,’ Katie says. ‘It is best to add organic matter or compost as well to help with aeration and nutrient needs. I find that sticking to a ratio of two-thirds soil to one-third compost or organic matter will produce the best results.’
Because nutrients leach more quickly from containers than from garden beds, regular feeding is key during the active growing season. ‘When using pots, soil nutrients can be lost very quickly during the active growing season,’ Katie explains.
‘Using an all-purpose balanced fertilizer every three weeks in spring and summer is recommended.’ Be sure the fertilizer is suitable for fruit trees and follow label instructions carefully. Feeding can usually stop around August or September, resuming again in March or April.
For a lower-maintenance approach, try a slow-release fertilizer, available from Perfect Plants, which will gradually supply nutrients throughout the growing season.
Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of watering. ‘Deep watering is important,’ Katie adds, ‘especially in southerly and mild locations. This should be done once or twice a week for optimal fruit production.’ In hot spells, you may need to increase frequency, as containers dry out far faster than in-ground plantings.
Operations Manager at Holland Group, managing the customer service department and purchasing. Katie has been in the green industry since 2005 in the Greater Milwaukee area, earning her degree in Horticulture in 2008. She has been able to share her love for plants working in multiple garden centers, in sales positions and most recently in an online retail platform at Holland Group.
The Best Mulberry Varieties for Pots
‘For the best chances of success, choose a dwarf variety,’ Katie says. ‘There are many smaller options, such as Morus alba x rubra ‘Gerardi Dwarf’, ‘Matsunaga’, and ‘Mojo Berry’, all of which are ideal for container culture.’
Most dwarf mulberries are hardy down to USDA zone 5, but remember that pots are more exposed to winter freezes and will need protection during cold snaps.
As Katie suggests, a dwarf tree is a smart choice for small spaces: the ‘Gerardi Dwarf’ grows just six to eight feet tall and is highly prized for its abundant summer fruit. Originally cultivated by nursery growers in Illinois, it’s particularly well suited to North American gardeners.
Other excellent container-friendly options include Morus nigra ‘Black Beauty’, known for its rich-flavoured black fruit, and Morus alba ‘Pendula’, a weeping form that adds architectural interest while remaining compact.
For those seeking a sweeter, everbearing option, Morus alba ‘King White’ produces small, tender fruits over a long season and rarely grows taller than eight feet in a pot.
Reaching a mature height of 6-10 feet, this variety is ideal for pots and planters in small spaces. It is also self-pollinating, so doesn't require a second tree to produce fruit.
This specialist berry fertilizer will give your container mulberries a real boost, and can help improve flavor, too.
The dwarf everbearing mulberry tree is easy-to-grow and will thrive in various climates, making it an adaptable addition to any yard.
With the right choice, even the smallest patio or balcony can host a productive mulberry tree. Mulberry trees can be slow to establish and may take five or more years to produce fruit. For this reason, patience is needed if you decide to grow a mulberry variety in a pot, but the delicious fruits will certainly be worth the wait.
For more small garden inspiration, see our guide on how to grow blueberries in pots, which is another good, hardy option for those gardeners with compact spaces.
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