Product details
Product Overview
Mulberry Hicks Fancy is a highly productive and versatile fruit tree, prized for its sweet, juicy berries and lush, spreading canopy. This tree not only provides abundant harvests but also serves as a stunning feature in the garden, offering shade and beauty throughout the warmer months.
Growth:
Mulberry Hicks Fancy is a fast-growing tree with dark green foliage and a broad, spreading form. Under optimal conditions, it can reach up to 10 metres in height, but regular pruning can maintain it at a manageable size of 4 to 6 metres, making it suitable for smaller gardens. Its vigorous growth and attractive canopy make it an excellent choice for both practical and ornamental purposes.
Light Requirements:
This mulberry thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit production.
Soil Requirements:
Hicks Fancy prefers well-drained, fertile soils enriched with organic matter. Incorporating compost or aged manure enhances soil structure and fertility. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Water Requirements:
Regular watering is essential during the establishment phase and throughout the growing season. Deep watering once a week is usually sufficient, though adjustments may be needed based on rainfall and soil conditions. Applying mulch around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Frost Tolerance:
Hicks Fancy is frost-tolerant once established, thriving in both cooler and temperate climates. Young trees may require protection from severe frosts until fully matured.
Drought Tolerance:
Once established, Hicks Fancy trees can withstand short periods of drought. Consistent watering during prolonged dry spells ensures the health of the tree and the quality of its fruit.
Flowering and Fruiting Information:
Hicks Fancy produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring, which develop into long red berries that ripen to a deep black. The fruiting season begins in late spring and continues through summer, typically from late November onwards. The berries are sweet and juicy with a slightly tangy aftertaste, making them ideal for fresh eating, jams, baking, and even winemaking.
Pollinators:
This variety is self-pollinating and does not require a companion tree to produce fruit.
Spacing Requirements:
Allow 4 to 6 metres of space between Hicks Fancy trees for optimal air circulation and ease of maintenance, especially when grown at its pruned size.
Fertiliser Requirements:
Fertilise in early spring with a balanced fertiliser to promote healthy growth and fruit development. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can encourage leafy growth at the expense of fruiting.
Care and Maintenance:
Prune annually during the dormant season to remove dead or overcrowded branches and encourage new growth, as fruit is produced on the current season’s wood. Regular pruning also helps maintain the tree at a manageable size. Monitor for pests and diseases common to fruit trees, such as scale or fungal infections, and address promptly. Mulching aids in conserving moisture and improving soil health.
