Morus nigra, commonly known as Black Mulberry, is a deciduous fruit tree native to western Asia and surrounding regions. It is highly valued for its dark, juicy, sweet berries and has been cultivated for millennia in the Mediterranean region and beyond. Seeds exhibit deep physiological dormancy requiring extended cold stratification to achieve germination.
Before sowing
Cold stratification for 90 days at 4°C in moist substrate (sand or peat moss) is essential to break deep physiological dormancy
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Provide 90 days of cold, moist stratification at 4°C before sowing to break dormancy. After stratification, surface sow seeds on moist substrate and keep consistently moist, not waterlogged. Tamp soil gently and apply mulch to the seedbed. Do not expose newly sown seeds to temperatures above 25°C, as this may induce secondary dormancy. Seeds can be sown outdoors in fall for natural cold period and spring germination, or indoors after winter stratification. Maintain high humidity and provide light during germination phase. Germination may occur within 1-8 weeks depending on conditions. Transplant seedlings to deep pots once established.
Sources: PFAF Plant Database, Sheffield's Seed Company, Tree Seed Online, ResearchGate (Koyuncu 2005), USDA Forest Service, Forest Research UK, Viriar, and multiple seed company resources
