Description
Persian Mulberry represents mulberries at their highest expression. This is a true Morus nigra—a species long prized across the Middle East and Mediterranean for fruit that is deeply flavored, complex, and unlike anything produced by faster-growing mulberries.
The berries ripen to a deep black and deliver an intensity that sets Morus nigra apart: rich sweetness layered with gentle acidity, often described as wine-like or almost jammy. This is not a light or simple fruit. It’s dense, nuanced, and memorable.
The tree itself grows slowly and deliberately, forming a compact, manageable structure over time. Persian Mulberry is not planted for speed or size. It’s planted for permanence. As the tree matures, fruit quality deepens and becomes more consistent—one of the defining traits of true Morus nigra.
We grow Persian Mulberry prominently at Restoring Eden, and it remains one of our favorite plants on the property. Over the years its become increasingly productive but still is a slow grower.
Overview
- True Morus nigra mulberry with elite flavor
- Deep black fruit with complex, wine-like taste
- Slow-growing, naturally compact tree
- Improves in flavor and consistency with age
- Self-fertile
Growing Details
Latin Name: Morus nigra ’Persian’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full day of sun; well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA Zone 7–9 (best performance in mild-winter regions)
Rootstock: Grafted Morus nigra
Bearing Age: 1–3 years (fruit quality improves with maturity)
Size at Maturity: Typically 10–15 ft tall and wide over time
Flowering: Spring; inconspicuous catkins (not showy)
Ripening Time: Early to mid-summer; timing varies by climate
Pollination: Self-fertile
Pests & Diseases: Generally trouble-free once established
Yield: Moderate; emphasis on quality over quantity
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: True Morus nigra mulberries are slow by nature. That slower growth is exactly what concentrates flavor and gives Persian Mulberry its depth and character.
- Regional Insight: Best suited to regions with mild winters and long growing seasons; gardeners in cooler climates should provide protection or choose a warm microclimate.
- Fruit is soft when ripe—harvest gently and enjoy fresh.
- Expect increasing quality and consistency as the tree matures.
- Explore more mulberries in our collection: Mulberry Trees
