Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi: Has anyone ever tried to grow a mulberry tree for your silk worms? What was the experince like? Can I prune one into a bush so it doesn't get too rediculously big for my smaller yard? I don't spray in the yard, but I treat the perimeter of the house with termanix, is this then not a good idea? thanks! Maggie

Hi Maggie,

First question would be where do you live? if you are hoping to grow Mulberry in order to raise silkworms you've got a .long wait! LOL! Silkworms eat a LOT of foliage and the time to have an adequate size to sustain an ongoing colony - well, it will take awhile. If this is your line of thinking you will have to use artifical food for several months, regardless, if you are in the north. Btw, they have delicious(!!) fruit!

Here are a few sites for you. Others who grow it can give you some first hand advice. You can also check with local schools and elsewhere for a supply, just be ABSOLUTELY certain they don't spray!

www.hort.cornell.edu/extension/commercial/fruit/mfruit/mulberries.html
http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/mulberry.html
http://www.sericulum.com/mulberry.html

lele

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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 green anoles Jaida & Jetta
0.1 brown anole - Jamaica
0.2 house geckos - Gaia & Tia
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta

www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/mulberry.html
www.hort.cornell.edu/extension/commercial/fruit/mfruit/mulberries.html
www.sericulum.com/mulberry.html
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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 green anoles Jaida & Jetta
0.1 brown anole - Jamaica
0.2 house geckos - Gaia & Tia
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta

Fabulous Links, Lele! thank you! You are such a great resource for us Newbies! I live in Southern CA, I think my zone is 9-10. I've seen Mulberry trees here before when i was a kid and a teacher had us growing Silk worms. Yeah, I ordered the Silkworm chow already as I am going to "practice" raising silkworms first before I get the Cham. Meanwhile, if possible, I will try to grow a Mulberry tree-its the only way I can ensure that it is not sprayed. I'm terrified of some accident! Still can't decide on what kind of Cham! Maggie

Lele IS a fountain of info, isnt she?? LOL!!

Too bad you dont live closer to Philly, Lele, I would cham-sit for you! Luna is such a character!!!
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Raf

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