Mulberry Care (Illinois Everbearing)

‘Illinois Everbearing’ is a beloved, cold-hardy, long-season mulberry noted for rich flavor and weeks of fruiting. Mulberries are adaptable, fast-growing small trees; with thoughtful pruning they can be kept compact for hand-picking. The primary “pest” is birds—plan for netting during peak ripeness.

Site & soil

Full sun maximizes flowering and sugar development. Mulberries tolerate a wide range of soils if drainage is reasonable; amend compacted clay with organic matter and maintain a broad mulch circle. Once established, trees are fairly drought-tolerant, but deep, occasional watering during dry spells improves fruit size and reduces drop. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Form & pruning

For home picking, train a low scaffold structure (3–4 main limbs) with the first branches 24–36" above ground. The most useful size-control is summer tipping of vigorous shoots; this keeps canopies reachable and induces branching. Avoid heavy winter heading on large limbs (mulberries “bleed” sap). Thin crossing branches and open the interior to light. Expect some annual renewal pruning to maintain size in fertile soils. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

Fruiting habit & harvest

Mulberries flower on new growth of the current season; ‘Illinois Everbearing’ ripens in waves. Fruit color changes from green to red to deep purple-black. At peak, berries detach with the lightest pull—lay a clean sheet beneath and gently shake limbs to collect. Refrigerate soon after harvest; berries are highly perishable and can stain, so plan handling areas accordingly. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Water, nutrition & mulch

Mulberries generally require modest fertility—over-feeding pushes rank growth and shading. A spring application of compost or a light balanced fertilizer suffices on most soils. Keep 2–3" of wood chips out to the dripline (but a few inches away from the trunk) to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Pests & issues

Mulberries are comparatively trouble-free. Birds often claim a share; net trees as fruit colors to protect the crop. In sheltered, warm sites, scale insects or mites can appear—wash with horticultural oil if needed. Good sanitation (removing fallen fruit) discourages nuisance insects.

Sources & further reading

• NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, Morus alba ‘Illinois Everbearing’ (cultivar entry & cultural notes). :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
• NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, Morus alba (species profile). :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}