The mulberry tree (Morus genus) is a common sight across Florida landscapes, thriving in various soils and climates. While they are generous fruit producers, the timing of the harvest is highly variable. The season depends on location, specific tree variety, and annual weather patterns, causing the expected window to shift dramatically across the state.
The General Florida Mulberry Season
The core mulberry season for most of Florida typically begins in late spring and peaks through the end of May. This window represents the main fruiting period for the state’s most widely cultivated varieties. Small, green fruit appears following the flowering stage, which occurs in early spring as the trees emerge from dormancy.
For a typical mature tree, the annual fruiting cycle is relatively short, usually lasting between two and six weeks. During this period, the fruit transitions from a small, hard green cluster to a plump, fully colored berry. The main harvest window is driven by the consistent warmth of late spring temperatures, which defines the general season for most of the state.
Climate Zones and Species That Shift the Timing
The timing of the harvest diverges significantly depending on Florida’s distinct climate zones and the specific mulberry species grown. In subtropical South Florida, where winter chilling is minimal, the season can begin earlier, with ripe fruit appearing in late February or March. Conversely, North Florida experiences cooler winters and a later final frost date, often extending its peak harvest into late June or early July.
Species variation further complicates the timing, as different mulberries have distinct fruiting schedules. The common Red Mulberry generally follows the late spring timeline, while the Black Mulberry (Morus nigra) often fruits later. Specific cultivars known as “everbearing” types can produce multiple flushes of fruit throughout the warmer months. These trees provide smaller, continuous harvests rather than a single, large yield.
Tips for Identifying and Harvesting Ripe Mulberries
Determining ripeness is straightforward; the easiest indicator is the fruit’s willingness to detach from the tree. A ripe mulberry, regardless of whether it is purple-black or white/golden, should fall with only a slight touch or gentle shake. The fruit should also be plump, soft to the touch, and possess a sweet flavor.
A common and efficient harvesting method is the “drop test,” which involves spreading a clean sheet or tarp beneath the tree’s canopy. By gently shaking the limbs or vibrating the branches, only the fully ripe berries will release and fall onto the material below. This technique prevents the accidental picking of unripe fruit, which will not ripen after being harvested. Due to their delicate nature and short shelf life, mulberries should be handled in shallow containers to prevent crushing and consumed within a day or two, or frozen for long-term storage.