Mulberry tree questions

[COOKCOVEN]

I planted a black mulberry seedling this spring ( you know the small ones from Lowes) in a container, it has grown quite well IMO so far it is about 5-6‘ tall right now. However I have a few questions, how do I tell if it’s male or female. I want it to fruit, but I’m not seeing any budding at all. Is it just to young of a plant for this to happen? Also should I prune it back some before winter sets in? I’m in SC in zone 7. Any help is appreciated

thank you

 

[cpp gardener]

Your Mulberry is too young to bear much fruit and this is the wrong time of year for fruit. You should get a small crop next year. Don't do any pruning except the usual crossing branches/dead branch removal. You may need to do some minor shaping next year after harvest.

 

[COOKCOVEN]

Cpp gardener, thanks for the reply. Is there a way to tell whether the plant is male or female?

 

[cpp gardener]

Only when it blooms, but most are monoecious - having both male and female flowers.