Questions about Red Mulberry trees

Hi ya'll :)

I have a couple of questions about red Mulberry trees. I just got 3 reds yesterday that I got on ebay. I think I read somewhere that Mulberry trees had to have a male and a female tree to produce fruit. Is this true? If so, how do you sex them? Also, where would be the best place to plant these ( partial or full sun)?? Right now they're in 4 in. pots and the shortest one is about 12 in. And last question...would it be ok to plant out now or plant them in bigger pots to plant next spring? Thanks for any info.

Eric

NCffp163, I used to have a red/black mulberry tree at my other place. Loved the berries, so did the birds. Be very careful where you plant, as birds will leave purple stains everywhere, and very difficult to remove. I had only one tree and had lots of fruit. Now here at this place i planted a white mulberry to avoid the staining problem. the fruit is smaller but still good, but I only got to eat maybe 1/2 doz. as birds ate all the rest that were reachable from the ground.

I wouldn't think there would be any problem in NC to plant them out in your garden well away from your house and /or cement. Good Luck

Donnas

What about planting them in bigger pots til next spring?

I would think in your area planting in larger pots would work okay. Do you just not know where you want to plant one, because most everything grows better if can be in soil rather than pots. At least in my experience. DonnaS

Eric,
I believe they are self-fertile. You are down south far enough, I don't see any reason you couldn't plant them now. Gives the roots time to grow before the winter sets in. That way, it is a good start on the spring.

As for sun requirements, Full sun according to plant files: http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/58163/index.html

I would go for it and plant them now. I wouldn't wait till spring to get them out of the pots. Good luck and let us know what you do and how they are growing. ~ Suzi :)

Thanks ya'll for the info!!

Eric