Fall Deals:
15% OFF Strawberry Trees - Barbados Cherries - Papayas
15% Off Vitex & Sweet Almond
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.
🍇 Tice Mulberry (Morus spp.) — 4″ Starter Size 🌿
Florida’s heirloom mulberry for fast shade, big crops, and easy organic care—born for heat, humidity, and heavy pruning.
If you want a rocket-growth mulberry with a lush, tropical canopy and baskets of sweet, tangy fruit, Tice is your Florida classic. This longtime South Florida favorite (likely an M. alba × M. rubra hybrid) builds a wide, graceful crown, fruits young and heavily, and responds beautifully to pruning so you can keep harvests at arm’s reach. Expect natural seasonal quirks (leaf drop, spotting, awkward phases)—then a vigorous comeback with warmth, sun, and a good haircut.
🌿 Quick Facts (At-a-Glance)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Morus spp. (likely M. alba × M. rubra) |
| Common Name | Tice Mulberry |
| Plant Type | Deciduous fruit tree |
| Size at Sale (Ships In) | 4″ container (fast to size up) |
| Mature Height × Width | 20–30 ft × 20–25 ft (keep 8–12 ft with pruning) |
| USDA Zones | 7–10 (best in 8–10) |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun (6–8+ hrs/day) |
| Cold Hardiness | ~10–15°F once established |
| Growth Habit | Fast-growing, wide-spreading; graceful to lightly weeping |
| Spacing | 20+ ft unpruned; 8–12 ft if managed |
| Pollination | Self-fruitful |
🍇 Fruit & Harvest (Florida-Centered)
- Color: Dark crimson to deep purple-black when fully ripe
- Flavor: Sweet with a tangy lift—perfect balance for fresh eating, pies, jams, smoothies, and wine
- Fruit Size: Medium-large (bigger than many alba types); easy to harvest
- Primary Season (Central FL): Late March – May
- Bonus Flushes: After the main crop, hard post-harvest pruning (“stress pruning”) can trigger a 2nd or even 3rd crop in long, warm seasons
- Yield: A well-managed Tice can produce several pounds per flush, even at a young size
Harvest cue: Pick when berries are fully dark and release with a gentle tug—check daily in season.
🌸 Why Grow Tice? (Top Benefits)
- Legendary Florida heirloom: Time-tested performance in heat, humidity, and sandy soils
- Shade + fruit, fast: Big canopy and early productivity—great for homesteads and food forests
- Prune-responsive: Easy to keep at 8–12 ft for family picking
- Soil savvy: Widely noted by Florida growers as durable in nematode-prone sands (still follow best practices below)
- Wildlife value: Birds, pollinators, and beneficials love mulberries (harvest promptly if you want the lion’s share)
⚠️ Realistic expectations: Tice is deciduous and not a year-round dooryard ornamental. In Florida, leaf spotting, partial defoliation, or “rough” phases can appear after rain, shipping, or pruning. These are normal and followed by vigorous regrowth.
🪴 Container & Small-Space Growing
- Step-up path: 4″ → 1–3 gal (first 1–2 weeks) → 7–15 gal as roots fill
- Target height in pots: 6–8 ft with frequent tip-pruning
- Soil mix: Rich, well-draining (compost + chunky bark/perlite)
- Sun: Full sun; roll under cover only for freeze events
🌾 Florida-Smart Companions (Regenerative Fertility)
Skip comfrey in Zone 9–10 heat; build fertility with companions you (and we) actually grow:
- 🌻 Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) — nitrogen-rich green mulch; explosive biomass
- 🌾 Fakahatchee Grass (Tripsacum dactyloides, Zones 9–11) — native carbon canes; structure + habitat
- 🌱 Pigeon Pea — nitrogen fixer + pollinator flowers
- 🌿 Sunn Hemp (summer cover crop) — helps suppress root-knot nematodes and adds organic matter
Chop-and-Drop (quick how-to): Periodically cut companion biomass and drop it in place beneath the tree. The green (nitrogen) + brown (carbon) mix decomposes into free, slow-release fertility, boosting soil life and moisture—no synthetic fertilizer required.
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 (4″ starters dry fast)
- 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 Florida trees often don’t need routine synthetic fertilizer
- Containers: light organic fruit-tree feed (~5-5-5) 2–3×/year
- Maintain the chop-and-drop loop for sustainable fertility
Pruning = More Fruit
- Fruit forms on new growth
- Main crop: March–May
- Re-flush: Hard prune immediately after harvest to push new shoots and flowers
- Build a low, wide framework; maintain 8–12 ft for easy picking
- Save large structural cuts for dormancy to minimize sap bleeding
🍂 Seasonal Expectations (Florida & Similar Climates)
- Winter / cool spells: Deciduous—leaves yellow and drop (may also arrive leafless in cool shipping)
- Spring: Big flush of leaves, flowers, and fruit (primary harvest)
- Summer–Fall: Bonus crops only if you hard prune after the spring flush
- Rainy season: Leaf spotting and cosmetic blemishes are common; new growth quickly replaces old
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 cover crop; compost + mulch; beneficial nematodes; raised beds/containers |
| Sap “bleeding” after cuts | Pruned during active flow | Reserve big cuts for dormancy; tip-prune in season |
| Bird pecks / stains | Wildlife + ripe fruit | Harvest daily; net if needed; site away from hardscape |
| Heat/wind scorch (new plants) | Transplant stress | Temporary shade cloth; even moisture; mulch |
⚠️ Cautions
- Roots: Give Tice room; plant away from sidewalks, septic, or utility lines
- Staining: Fallen fruit can stain patios/vehicles—site accordingly
- Unripe fruit: Green berries are not edible; eat only fully ripe fruit
- Not a constant “show” tree: Brief awkward phases are normal in organic culture
🌟 Is the Tice Mulberry Right for You?
✅ Ideal for: Florida & Southeast growers; food forests; homesteads seeking fast shade + fruit; wildlife gardens
❌ Not ideal for: Very tight spaces (roots/canopy); shipping during extreme heat/cold without protection; anyone averse to occasional fruit “mess”
🚚 Shipping Notes
- Ships: 4″ starter—young/delicate but tenacious
- Best regions: Florida, Southeast & Texas via 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
GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
📍 18709 US Hwy. 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
Tues–Fri 9AM–5PM | Sat 8AM–3PM
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 & soil materials
- 🌾 Wholesale & large-scale regenerative solutions
Let our team help you create your own thriving edible paradise—starting with Tice 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 | Med (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 | Med (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 | Med (1–1.25″) | Medium | Florida-adapted, dependable |
| Tice | 8–10 / ~20°F | 20–30 ft / 8–12 ft | Sweet with tang | Med-large (≈1.5″) | Large, tropical look | Heirloom FL favorite; fast shade + heavy crops |
| Unryu | 7–10 / ~10°F | 15–20 ft / 6–8 ft | Mild-sweet, floral | Med (1–1.25″) | Medium | Ornamental corkscrew branches |
| White Mulberry | 5–9 / ~-10°F | 30–40 ft / 10–15 ft | Delicately sweet | Med (≈1″) | Large, glossy | Super cold-hardy; mild flavor |
🌱 Why collect more than one? Extend your harvest window, diversify flavors, and build resilience and beauty across your 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.
