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Roselle & Egyptian Spinach - Buy One Get One Free
🚚 Shipping Update:
We’re now shipping nationwide across the continental U.S. again! 🌱
📦 Please note: Shipping to California remains paused due to agricultural regulations.
🍇 Hunter Mulberry (Morus alba hybrid) — 4″ Starter Size 🌿
Rich, bold, blackberry-leaning flavor on a vigorous, Florida-ready tree — made for heavy pruning and big harvests.
If you want a powerhouse mulberry with deep, jammy flavor, strong growth, and serious production in Florida and the Southeast, Hunter delivers. This selection shines when you keep it low and bushy, pushing new fruiting wood after each hard post-harvest prune. Expect natural seasonal quirks (leaf drop, spotting, brief “ugly” phases)…and then a roaring comeback with warmth and sun.
🌟 Why Grow the Hunter Mulberry?
- Bold flavor: Rich, blackberry-like sweetness with balanced tart finish — fantastic for fresh bowls, pies, jams & syrups.
- Prune-responsive producer: Main spring crop (late March–May in Central FL) plus bonus crops when you hard prune after harvest.
- Manageable footprint: Naturally medium tree you can keep 6–8 ft for easy picking.
- Heat & humidity friendly: Built for Florida and the Southeast; thrives in full sun and sandy soils.
- Organic-friendly: Performs beautifully with regenerative chop-and-drop fertility; no harsh chemicals required.
⚠️ Realistic expectations: Hunter is deciduous and not a year-round, dooryard ornamental. Seasonal leaf drop, spotting, or partial defoliation (rainy spells, shipping, or after heavy pruning) is normal and followed by vigorous new growth.
🌿 Quick Facts (At-a-Glance)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Morus alba hybrid (Hunter) |
| Plant Type | Deciduous fruiting tree |
| Size at Sale (Ships In) | 4″ pot (young starter) |
| Mature Height × Width | 20–25 ft × 12–15 ft (easily kept 6–8 ft with pruning) |
| USDA Zones | 7–10 (best in 8–10; protect when young) |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun (6–8+ hrs/day) |
| Cold Hardiness | ~10–15°F once established |
| Growth Habit | Upright, vigorous, highly prune-responsive |
| Spacing | 8–12 ft (hedge closer with regular pruning) |
| Pollination | Self-fruitful (one tree is enough) |
🍇 Fruit & Harvest (Florida-Centered)
- Flavor: Bold, jammy, blackberry-leaning sweetness with gentle tartness.
- Texture: Soft, juicy flesh; tender skin.
- Fruit Size: Large (≈1.5–2″) on well-grown plants.
- Primary Season (Central FL): Late March – May.
- Additional Flushes: Hard post-harvest pruning pushes new shoots and can yield a 2nd or even 3rd crop in long, warm seasons.
- Yield: Several pounds per flush when kept low, fed with biomass, and given sun + moisture.
Harvest cue: Pick when berries turn fully deep purple-black and release with a gentle tug. Harvest daily in season.
🌱 Growth Habit & Landscape Fit
- Form: Upright, dense, multi-stemmed; glossy, variably lobed leaves.
- Best uses:
- Edible hedge at 6–8 ft for easy picking
- Container patio tree (7–15 gal) in full sun
- Food-forest anchor / farm row for quick production
- Aesthetics note: Hunter looks best when managed (tip-pruned often). Expect brief rough phases post-prune or during weather swings — followed by a quick rebound.
🪴 Container & Small-Space Success
- Pot-up path: 4″ → 1–3 gal (first 1–2 weeks) → 7–15 gal as roots fill.
- Height in pots: Keep 4–8 ft with frequent tip-pruning.
- Soil mix: Rich and well-draining (compost + chunky bark/perlite).
- Sun: 6–8+ hrs/day; roll into protection only for freezes.
🌾 Regenerative Companions (Florida-Smart)
Skip comfrey in Central FL heat; build fertility with Florida-friendly allies you carry:
- 🌻 Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) — nitrogen-rich green mulch; explosive biomass.
- 🌾 Fakahatchee Grass (Tripsacum dactyloides, Zones 9–11) — native carbon mulch canes; structure & habitat.
- 🌱 Pigeon Pea — nitrogen fixer + pollinator flowers.
- 🌿 Sunn Hemp (summer cover crop) — suppresses root-knot nematodes, adds organic matter.
Chop-and-Drop (quick how-to): Periodically cut companions and drop trimmings under the canopy. The green (nitrogen) + brown (carbon) blend decomposes into slow-release fertility and living mulch — a free, regenerative alternative to synthetic fertilizer.
🛠 Best Practices for Planting & Care
The GreenDreams “High & Tight” Method
- Plant slightly high (root flare above grade).
- Backfill firmly with native soil + compost; water to settle.
- Top-dress biochar + compost + minerals (e.g., azomite).
- Mulch 2–3″ hardwood chips, pulled away from trunk.
▶️ Planting video: GreenDreams “High & Tight” — https://youtu.be/RRQFY30qdA8?si=rRIcsbLlVAVYotfI
Watering
- Weeks 1–2: Light water daily (especially 4″ starters).
- Weeks 3–6: 2–3×/week, adjust to heat/rain.
- Established in-ground: Water mainly in drought; containers need steady moisture in heat.
Fertilizing
- In-ground FL trees often don’t need routine synthetic fertilizer.
- Containers: light organic fruit-tree feed (≈5-5-5) 2–3×/yr.
- Keep the chop-and-drop cycle for continuous, natural fertility.
Pruning = More Fruit
- Fruit forms on new growth.
- Main crop: March–May.
- Re-flush crops: Hard prune immediately after harvest to push new shoots/flowers.
- Maintain a low, wide framework; keep height 6–8 ft.
- Save large structural cuts for dormancy to reduce sap bleeding.
🍂 Seasonal Expectations (Florida & Similar Climates)
- Winter / cool spells: Deciduous — leaves yellow and drop.
- Spring: Strong flush of leaves, flowers, fruit (primary harvest).
- Summer–Fall: Bonus crops possible only with post-harvest hard pruning.
- Rainy season: Leaf spotting and cosmetic blemishes are normal; new growth quickly replaces old.
We’re organic growers — no “instant-green” chemical tricks. Expect natural cycles and reliable comebacks with warmth, sun, and pruning.
Troubleshooting (Florida-Ready)
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Organic Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf spotting / yellowing | Rain splash, humidity, older leaves | Remove worst leaves; improve airflow; let new growth replace |
| Sudden leaf drop | Dormancy, shipping/heat stress | Shade 2–3 days; steady moisture; then full sun |
| Sparse fruit | Low sun or under-pruned | Ensure 6–8+ hrs sun; hard prune after harvest |
| Root-knot nematodes | Florida sandy soils | Sunn hemp summer cover; compost + mulch; beneficial nematodes; raised beds/containers |
| Bleeding after cuts | Pruned during active flow | Reserve big cuts for dormancy; tip-prune in season |
| Bird pecks / stains | Wildlife & ripe fruit | Harvest daily; consider netting; site away from hardscape |
| Wind/heat scorch (new plants) | Transplant shock | Temporary afternoon shade; even moisture; mulch |
Culinary & Nutrition
- Use: Fresh eating, pies & cobblers, jam/jelly, syrups, smoothies, fruit leather, shrubs/meads.
- Nutrition: Naturally low calorie, water-rich; vitamin C, iron, fiber, polyphenols/anthocyanins.
⚠️ Cautions
- Staining fruit — plant away from cars/patios/driveways.
- Milky sap may irritate skin — wear gloves when pruning.
- Not a perfect “show” tree year-round — brief awkward phases are normal.
🌟 Is the 4″ Hunter Right for You?
✅ Ideal for: Florida & Southeast growers, pruning-happy gardeners, edible hedges, container orchards, food forests.
❌ Not ideal for: Shoppers wanting instant size or year-round ornamental looks; shipping in extreme heat/cold without protection.
🚚 Shipping Details
- Ships: 4″ starter (young/delicate but tenacious).
- Best regions: Florida, Southeast & Texas (UPS Ground; ships Mondays).
- Outside SE U.S.: Allow 2–3 weeks of filtered light + consistent moisture for recovery from transit.
- Heat/Cold disclaimer: Buyer discretion during extremes; we aren’t responsible for weather-related stress.
- Dormancy shipping: Plants may arrive leafless in cool months — normal.
Local Pickup (Retail Nursery)
GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
📍 18709 US Hwy 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
🕘 Tues–Fri 9 AM–5 PM | Sat 8 AM–3 PM
🌿 Come see what’s fresh!
🌿 Beyond the Plant: GreenDreams Services
We don’t just grow plants — we design, build, and restore ecosystems across Florida.
- 🌳 Onsite consultations & edible landscape design
- 🏗️ Installation & project management
- 🚚 Bulk delivery of compost, mulch, biochar & soils
- 🌾 Wholesale & regenerative farm solutions
Let our team help you create a thriving edible paradise — starting with Hunter Mulberry! 🌿
🌸 Mulberry Variety Comparison Guide — GreenDreams Collection
| Cultivar | Zones / Cold Resilience | Mature / Pruned Size | Flavor Profile | Fruit Size | Leaf Size | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Dwarf | 6–10 / ~15°F | 12–15 ft / 6–8 ft | Sweet-tart, blueberry-raspberry | Medium (1–1.5″) | Medium | Compact, container-friendly, fruits fast |
| World’s Best | 7–10 / ~10–15°F | 12–15 ft / 6–8 ft | Rich, jammy, blackberry-like | Medium (1–1.5″) | Med-lg | Early fruit, bold flavor, easy pruning |
| Hunter | 7–10 / ~10–15°F | 20–25 ft / 6–8 ft | Bold, jammy, less tart than Shangri-La | Large (1.5–2″) | Broad | Heavy producer; great for jam/juice |
| Shangri-La | 7–10 / ~10°F | 25–30 ft / 10–15 ft | Deep, winey-sweet | Large (1.5–2″) | Very large | Cold-hardy classic; lush canopy |
| Pakistani | 8–10 / ~20°F | 25–30 ft / 10–12 ft | Honey-sweet, low acid | Very long (3–4″) | Large, velvety | Gourmet, longest berries |
| Everbearing | 7–10 / ~15°F | 15–20 ft / 6–10 ft | Tangy-sweet, reliable | Small-med (≈1″) | Medium | Long window; multiple flushes |
| 6th Street | 7–10 / ~10°F | 20 ft / 8–10 ft | Balanced, mild-sweet | Medium (1–1.25″) | Medium | Florida-adapted, dependable |
| Tice | 8–10 / ~20°F | 20–25 ft / 8–10 ft | Mild, sweet | Med-lg (≈1.5″) | Large | Heat-tolerant, backyard favorite |
| Unryu | 7–10 / ~10°F | 15–20 ft / 6–8 ft | Mild-sweet, floral | Medium (1–1.25″) | Medium | Ornamental corkscrew branches |
| White Mulberry | 5–9 / ~-10°F | 30–40 ft / 10–15 ft | Delicately sweet | Medium (≈1″) | Large, glossy | Super cold-hardy; mild flavor |
🌱 Why collect more than one? Extend your harvest window, diversify flavors, and build a more resilient, beautiful landscape.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS:
*Please be advised that our online store selections are NOT available for pickup at our retail location in Spring Hill, Florida.
Inventory for our online store is located at a separate facility and are priced and handled exclusively for packaging & shipping.
Click here to learn more about our Spring Hill, FL retail nursery location, including countless more nursery selections ready for pickup - larger sizes and wider variety of plants not suitable for nationwide delivery.
1. Shipping Stress: Transportation can be stressful for plants, particularly when they spend several days in a confined, dark environment. It’s common for plants to experience leaf drop during this period. Rest assured, most plants typically recover quickly and thrive with minimal aftercare. However, some may need extra attention, love, and care, requiring appropriate watering and exposure to gentle light post-unboxing.
2. Potential Physical Damage: Despite our dedicated efforts to ensure that your plants are securely packaged, they may incur damage during shipping and handling by UPS. Rest assured, our shipping team is committed to packing your selections with utmost care and precision to minimize any potential harm.
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For significant box damage, please reach out to UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
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For minor damages, such as a broken branch or stem, we advise allowing the plant time to recover and regenerate with proper care and attention.
3. Long-Distance Shipping Considerations: Orders shipped over long distances, particularly to the western US, may take 3 - 5 business days to arrive due to various factors, including agricultural inspections in Arizona, California, and Texas. Such extended transit times can be particularly challenging for tender, young plants, affecting their quality due to prolonged confinement.
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We take additional measures during packaging to facilitate a swift recovery of the plants upon unboxing.
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Initial extra care and attention might be required over the first few weeks post-transport.
For further guidance, kindly review our detailed policies on returns and refunds, as well as our comprehensive plant care guide. We appreciate your understanding and patience in nurturing your new plants.
🌿 Important Shipping Information
Please take a moment to review our shipping protocols designed to ensure your plants arrive in optimal condition.
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Countdown Clock: At the top of our online store, you'll notice a countdown clock. This tool helps communicate our weekly shipping schedule, providing clarity on when you can expect your orders to be dispatched.
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Shipping Schedule: Our nursery, located in the heart of Central Florida, ships orders once weekly, every Monday. This is a strategic decision to prevent packages from being stationary over the weekends, ensuring that our plants travel as swiftly as possible across the country, even reaching as far as California.
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Shipping Method: At present, we offer ground shipping rates to meet various needs while maintaining the well-being of our plants during transit.
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Our Dedicated Team: We are a boutique nursery with a passionate team. Our members wear many hats, contributing to shipping, nursery operations, and engaging in valuable local projects. As we blossom and expand, rest assured that enhancing and streamlining our processes remains a priority to serve you better
Terms and Conditions for Purchasing Live Plants
1. Understanding of Shipping Stress
By purchasing live plants from our store, the customer acknowledges that transportation can be stressful for plants. It is common for plants to undergo leaf drop or experience other temporary issues during shipping. However, it is understood that most plants recover quickly with adequate care and attention post-shipping.
2. Awareness of Potential Physical Damage
Customers acknowledge that despite our best efforts in packaging, there may be occurrences of damage during shipping and handling. For substantial damages to the package, customers agree to contact UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
3. Acknowledgement of Long-Distance Shipping Considerations
Customers recognize that shipments, especially those directed to the western US, may be subjected to longer shipping durations of 3-5 business days. Customers agree to provide necessary care to the plants, recognizing that the quality of the plants may be affected due to prolonged shipping times.
4. Agreement with Shipping Information and Schedule
Customers, by making a purchase, have reviewed and agreed upon our shipping protocols and schedules. They acknowledge the presence of a countdown clock on the website and our once-weekly shipping policy every Monday, recognizing the rationale behind avoiding weekend layovers for the plants.
5.Extreme Weather Conditions
Customers acknowledge that our store is not responsible for damage or loss of live plants due to extreme weather conditions during transit and delivery. This includes exposure to cold or freezing temperatures during the winter months and extreme heat during the summer. We provide tracking information when orders are processed every Monday to ensure customers are aware of the delivery schedule. It is the customer's responsibility to prevent packages from being left outside in conditions that may cause damage. Our store does not accept responsibility for any adverse effects caused by weather conditions beyond our control.
6. No Refund Policy
Customers agree that refunds are only processed under exceptional circumstances. Our store will not be held responsible for poor plant choices relative to location suitability, extreme conditions during and/or post-shipment, and improper post-purchase plant care.
7. Responsibility of Care
Upon purchase, customers agree to assume full responsibility for the ongoing care of the plants. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate watering, exposure to suitable light, and adherence to specific care instructions pertinent to each plant type.
8. Consent
By proceeding with this purchase, customers consent to all the terms and conditions stated above, confirming understanding and agreement to all stipulations mentioned.
These terms and conditions aim to ensure clarity, mutual understanding, and agreement between the seller and the customer to facilitate a smooth transaction and foster a positive customer experience.
