Description

Mulberry Seedlings

Dive into the versatile world of mulberry farming with Organic Farm’s certified mulberry seedlings (Morus alba, Morus nigra, Morus rubra), featuring high-yielding varieties like Black Mulberry and White Mulberry. These sweet, nutrient-rich berries, packed with vitamins C, K, iron, and antioxidants, are gaining popularity in Kenya for fresh consumption, jams, wines, and silkworm rearing. Organically propagated in Muranga, Kenya, our KEPHIS-certified seedlings are selected for vigor, disease resistance, and adaptability, making them ideal for small-scale and commercial farmers seeking a multi-purpose, high-value crop.

Benefits of Mulberry Farming

• Nutritional Value: Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals, mulberries support heart health, immunity, and digestion; leaves are used in herbal teas for diabetes management.

• Versatile Uses: Enjoy fresh, dried, or in juices, jams, wines, and desserts; leaves feed silkworms for silk production, and wood is used for furniture or fuel.

• High Profitability: Yields 5–10 tonnes per acre, fetching KSh 100–300/kg locally and KSh 500/kg for processed products, generating KSh 500,000–3 million per acre annually. Silkworm rearing adds extra income.

• Low Maintenance: Fast-growing, drought-tolerant trees thrive in diverse climates, producing for 20–50 years with minimal inputs, ideal for agroforestry.

Favorable Climates for Mulberries in Kenya

Mulberries thrive in tropical to subtropical climates with temperatures of 20–30°C and rainfall of 600–2,500mm, adapting to semi-arid conditions with irrigation. They grow at altitudes of 0–2,000m.

Suitable Regions in Kenya

• Central Kenya: Murang’a, Nyeri, Kiambu, Thika

• Eastern Kenya: Machakos, Makueni, Meru

• Rift Valley: Nakuru, Baringo, Kericho

• Western Kenya: Bungoma, Kakamega, Kisumu

• Coastal Kenya: Mombasa, Kilifi

Soil Requirements

• Soil Type: Well-drained loamy, sandy loam, or clay soils; tolerates poor soils but prefers rich organic matter.

• Soil pH: 5.5–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral); amend with lime if needed.

• Nutrients: Enrich with manure or compost for optimal growth.

• Drainage: Avoid waterlogged areas to prevent root rot.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Mulberries

Site Preparation

• Choose a sunny site with 6–8 hours of sunlight and protection from strong winds; install windbreaks if necessary.

• Clear weeds, rocks, and debris; plow to loosen soil and ensure proper drainage.

• Test soil pH and incorporate organic matter to boost fertility.

Hole Preparation

• Dig holes 60cm x 60cm x 60cm (2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft), spaced 4–6m apart (100–150 trees per acre) for fruit production or 1–2m for silkworm leaf production.

• Mix topsoil with 10–15kg well-decomposed manure and 125g double superphosphate fertilizer.

Planting Seedlings

• Use KEPHIS-certified seedlings from trusted nurseries like Organic Farm for consistent quality and faster establishment.

• Plant in early rainy seasons (March–May or October–November), placing seedlings at nursery depth with roots spread naturally; backfill, firm gently, and water thoroughly.

• Soak roots in water for 2–3 hours before planting to reduce transplant shock.

Mulching

• Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch (e.g., straw, wood chips) around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich soil, keeping mulch 5cm from the trunk.

Caring for Mulberry Trees

• Irrigation: Water young seedlings every 2–3 days (20–30 liters weekly) during dry periods; mature trees need irrigation during fruiting to enhance berry size. Use drip irrigation for efficiency.

• Fertilization: Apply NPK 10:10:10 or organic compost twice yearly; use nitrogen-rich fertilizers for leaf production (silkworm rearing) or potassium-rich for fruiting. Base applications on soil tests.

• Pruning: Prune annually to maintain shape, remove dead branches, and encourage fruiting or leaf growth; keep trees at 2–3m for easy harvesting or silkworm feeding.

• Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests (aphids, spider mites) and diseases (powdery mildew, root rot); use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or fungicides like RANSOM 600WP. Maintain orchard hygiene.

Plant Population and Spacing

• Spacing: 4–6m (13–20 ft) for fruit production; 1–2m for silkworm leaf production.

• Population: 100–150 trees per acre for fruit; up to 1,000 for silkworm rearing.

Expected Production

• Per Tree: 50–100 kg of fruit annually at maturity (3–5 years); 100–200 kg of leaves for silkworm rearing.

• Per Acre: 5–10 tonnes of fruit, yielding KSh 500,000–3 million at KSh 100–300/kg; leaf production supports 10–20 kg of silk per acre, adding KSh 50,000–100,000.

• Fruiting Timeline: Begins 2–3 years after planting, with peak production at 5–7 years; fruits ripen in November–February.

Why Choose Organic Farm’s Mulberry Seedlings?

Organic Farm is a trusted leader in sustainable agriculture in Kenya, empowering farmers with quality inputs. Our mulberry seedlings offer:

• KEPHIS-Certified Quality: Propagated from select varieties (Black Mulberry, White Mulberry) for high yields, flavor, and disease resistance, certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service.

• Superior Varieties:

  • Black Mulberry (Morus nigra): Deep purple, sweet-tart, ideal for fresh eating, wines, and jams.

  • White Mulberry (Morus alba): White to pink, sweet, suited for silkworm rearing and dried snacks.

• Expert Support: Agronomic guidance on planting, pest control, silkworm rearing, and market linkages for fruit and silk markets.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic propagation ensures soil health and biodiversity, aligned with good agricultural practices (GAP).

• Nationwide Delivery: Reliable shipping across Kenya (e.g., Murang’a, Nakuru, Kisumu) and East Africa.

Tap into Kenya’s growing mulberry market, driven by demand for berries, processed products, and silk, with Organic Farm’s certified seedlings. Order now to establish a versatile orchard that delivers nutritious, profitable harvests and supports sericulture for decades!

Contact: oxfarmorganic@gmail.com