A Step-by-Step Mulberry Farming Guide

Why Mulberry? Benefits, Uses, and Market Demand

When most people hear the word mulberry, they think of silkworms, not fruits. It’s true, mulberry leaves are the main food for silk production. Sweet, juicy, and packed with vitamins, mulberries are quietly making their way into smoothies, jams, wines, and even herbal medicine.

In Kenya, mulberry is still under the radar. You won’t see it piled high in every market, but where it appears, it fetches good prices because it’s considered a “rare health fruit.” Farmers who get in now stand to supply two markets at once, fruit lovers and silk producers.

Where Mulberry Grows Best

Mulberries don’t ask for too much. They do well in warm to moderate climates and tolerate altitudes between 800–2,000m above sea level. That means places like Murang’a, Embu, Kisii, Nakuru, Kericho, Kitale, Kakamega, and parts of Rift Valley are perfect.

• Soil: Loamy, well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5–7.5. Avoid waterlogged soils – the roots hate standing water.
• Rainfall: Steady rainfall or irrigation is best for good fruiting. Mulberries can survive short dry periods.
• Temperature: Thrives between 20°C and 30°C.

Land Preparation: Laying the Groundwork

• Clear weeds, plough the land, and dig holes measuring 45cm x 45cm x 45cm.
• Mix the topsoil with one debe of compost or farmyard manure. Add a handful of phosphate fertilizer or bone meal.
• Spacing depends on your plan. For fruit production, space trees 3m x 3m. For leaf production (silk farming), a denser 1.5m x 1.5m spacing works.

Plant at the start of the rains, March–May or October–November.

Planting: Seedlings and Cuttings

In Kenya, mulberries are mostly propagated through cuttings or grafted seedlings. Seedlings cost KSh 150 each from Organicfarm Kenya (+254 712 075 915 | oxfarmorganic@gmail.com).

The rainy season is the best time to plant to cut down on watering costs.

Caring for Mulberry Trees

• Watering: Young plants need regular watering. Once established, mulberries handle drought fairly well but give better yields when watered during flowering and fruiting.
• Manure and Fertilizer: Add compost twice a year. Supplement with NPK during fruiting for bigger berries.
• Pruning: This is very important. Prune after every harvest to encourage fresh shoots. For silk farming, pruning is done frequently to produce tender leaves.
• Pests and Diseases: Mulberries are hardy, but fruit flies, mealybugs, and leaf spot can appear. Simple organic sprays like neem oil or soap solution keep them under control.

Expect to spend about KSh 30,000–50,000 per acre annually on maintenance.

Harvesting: When the Fruits Drop (Literally)

Mulberries start bearing within 1–2 years from planting. Fruits ripen in clusters and change color from green → red → deep purple-black when ready. They’re very delicate and often fall off when ripe.

• Harvesting is done by handpicking or spreading nets under the tree and shaking lightly.
• A mature tree can produce 20–30kg of fruit per season. With good care, yields go even higher.
• Storage: At 0–5°C with 85–90% humidity, fresh mulberries last 2–3 days. Processing into jams, juice, or wine extends shelf life significantly.

Market Opportunities: Why Mulberries Are Worth It

Mulberries aren’t common in Kenyan markets, but demand is rising, especially in:

• Juice and smoothie shops – fresh mulberries add unique flavor and color.
• Jam and wine makers – berries are perfect for processing.
• Health shops – mulberries are praised for boosting immunity and controlling blood sugar.

Fresh mulberries can sell for KSh 200–350 per kilo in Nairobi and other urban centers. Value-added products fetch even more.

Farmers near silk production centers (like Kisii or Western Kenya) can also sell leaves for silkworm rearing, doubling their income streams.

Challenges to Note

• Short shelf life: Fresh mulberries spoil within 2–3 days, so sell quickly or process.
• Delicate fruit: They bruise easily; handle with care.
• Market awareness: Many people don’t know mulberries. Be ready to educate buyers, do tastings, and even market them as “superfruits.”

Practical Tips for Kenyan Farmers

• Intercrop in early years – While mulberries are young, plant short-term crops like beans or vegetables to make use of space.
• Think processing – Don’t just sell fresh fruits. Small-scale jam making or juice blending can fetch higher prices.
• Prune smartly – Regular pruning gives more fruits and better quality leaves.
• Target niche buyers – Organic markets, hotels, and supermarkets are your best bet.
• Consider silkworm farming – If fruit sales are slow, the leaves themselves are valuable.

Conclusion: A Fruit That Pays Twice

Mulberries are more than just another berry. They give you fruit plus leaves, which means double earning potential. With their fast maturity, low maintenance, and growing demand in health and niche markets, mulberries are a smart choice for farmers looking to diversify.

Don’t wait until everyone is growing them. Plant a few mulberry trees now, learn the ropes, and position yourself as one of the early suppliers of this underrated but highly valuable crop in Kenya.