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Few garden projects combine living history, genuine craft, and the quiet satisfaction of working with nature quite like this one. Growing a mulberry tree is already one of the most rewarding things a UK gardener can do. But if you want to take it a step further, raising silkworms is a surprisingly accessible hobby that connects you to one of the oldest crafts in human history. Here is everything you need to know to get started.
A Potted History of the Mulberry Tree in the UK
The mulberry's story in Britain is wonderfully tangled up with royal ambition, historical blunder, and botanical good fortune. When King James I came to the throne in the early 1600s, he was determined to establish a domestic silk industry in England. His plan was straightforward: plant mulberry trees, raise silkworms, and produce English silk to rival the Continent.
There was just one problem. James planted black mulberry (Morus nigra) rather than white mulberry (Morus alba), which is the species silkworms actually prefer. The grand silk industry never took off. But the trees did - and many of those ancient specimens, some planted in walled gardens and stately home grounds across England, are still standing today. They are among the oldest trees in the country.
The mulberry has another famous association. A tree allegedly planted by Shakespeare himself at New Place in Stratford-upon-Avon became so celebrated that when it was felled in the 18th century, locals were reportedly furious. Whether the story is entirely true hardly matters - it tells you something about the affection the English have always had for this tree.
Today, interest in heritage plants and self-sufficiency has brought the mulberry quietly back into fashion. And rightly so.
Which Mulberry Tree Should You Grow?
There are three species worth knowing about, though one of them is the clear choice if silkworm keeping is your goal.
- White mulberry (Morus alba) - The preferred food source for domesticated silkworms. Lighter, less intensely flavoured fruit than the black mulberry, and generally faster growing. If you want to raise silkworms, this is the one you need.
- Black mulberry (Morus nigra) - The classic English garden tree. Deeply flavoured, almost wine-dark fruit. Long-lived, characterful, and beautiful. Not ideal for silkworm keeping, but an extraordinary garden specimen in its own right.
- Red mulberry (Morus rubra) - Less commonly grown in the UK and not widely available here.
Both white and black mulberries thrive in the South East's climate. They prefer a warm, sunny, sheltered position and well-drained soil - conditions that much of Surrey delivers naturally. They are slow to establish and can be reluctant to fruit in their early years, but once settled, they are remarkably long-lived. You are not just planting a tree for yourself. You are planting one for the next generation.
Our team at Cedar Nursery can advise on suitable varieties for your specific garden conditions. Come and see us in Cobham - we are less than five miles from RHS Wisley and very happy to talk mulberries at length.
The Life Cycle of a Silkworm - From Egg to Cocoon
The domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, has been bred by humans for thousands of years. It cannot survive in the wild. In return for your care, it offers one of nature's most extraordinary spectacles.
- Egg - Silkworm eggs are tiny, roughly the size of a pinhead. They hatch when temperatures rise to around 25°C, which in a warm room typically happens in spring. The eggs are usually supplied on small cards or paper by specialist UK sellers.
- Larva (the silkworm) - This is the caterpillar stage, lasting around four to six weeks. During this time, silkworms do almost nothing but eat - exclusively fresh mulberry leaves. They moult four times as they grow, each time emerging slightly larger and more impressive. By the end, a well-fed silkworm is a plump, pale, rather magnificent creature.
- Pupa (the cocoon) - When ready, the silkworm spins itself into a cocoon using a single continuous thread of silk that can reach a remarkable length. The pupal stage lasts approximately two to three weeks.
- Adult moth - The silk moth (Bombyx mori) emerges, mates, lays eggs, and dies within a few days. Domesticated silk moths cannot fly - thousands of years of selective breeding have seen to that. They are entirely dependent on human care, which makes the relationship between keeper and creature feel genuinely meaningful.
What Do You Actually Need to Raise Silkworms at Home?
The good news is that silkworm keeping requires very little specialist equipment. What it does require is consistency and a reliable supply of fresh leaves.
- A white mulberry tree (or reliable access to fresh leaves) - This is non-negotiable. Silkworms will not eat dried or wilted leaves. They get all their hydration from fresh foliage, so a steady supply throughout the larval stage is essential. Growing your own white mulberry is by far the most practical solution.
- A suitable container - A shallow wooden or cardboard box works well. Silkworms need ventilation but dislike draughts. Keep it simple.
- Warmth - A consistent temperature of around 25°C is ideal. A warm room indoors is usually sufficient in the UK during late spring and summer.
- Silkworm eggs - Available from specialist UK suppliers online. Look for reputable sellers who provide clear guidance on hatching and care.
- Time and attention - Silkworms need fresh leaves several times a day during their larval stage. This is a hands-on hobby. Think of it as a daily ritual rather than a chore - many keepers find the routine genuinely calming.
- A relaxed attitude to mess - Silkworms produce frass (droppings) that needs clearing regularly. It is not unpleasant, but it is real.
Good compost and soil preparation around your mulberry tree will help it establish quickly and produce the generous flush of leaves your silkworms will need.
Is This the Right Hobby for You?
Silkworm keeping is a wonderful fit for curious gardeners, families with children, or anyone drawn to natural history and heritage crafts. It is seasonal - running roughly from late spring to early autumn, aligned with the mulberry leaf season - which gives it a pleasing rhythm that fits naturally into garden life.
It does require daily attention during the larval stage, so it is not ideal for anyone who travels frequently in summer. But if you are at home and engaged in your garden through those months, the commitment is genuinely manageable. The reward - watching the full life cycle unfold and, if you choose, harvesting your own silk thread - is quite unlike anything else a garden can offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow a mulberry tree in a UK garden?
Yes. Mulberry trees grow well in the UK, particularly in the South East. They prefer a warm, sunny, sheltered position and well-drained soil. Both white and black mulberry are well suited to Surrey gardens, and they are more cold-tolerant than many people expect once established.
Do silkworms only eat mulberry leaves?
Yes. Domesticated silkworms (Bombyx mori) have evolved over millennia to eat exclusively fresh mulberry leaves - specifically white mulberry. They will not eat dried or substitute leaves and cannot survive without a reliable fresh supply throughout their larval stage.
How long does it take to raise silkworms?
From egg to cocoon takes approximately five to six weeks under the right conditions. The full life cycle - from egg to the next generation of eggs - takes around two months in total.
Is keeping silkworms legal in the UK?
Yes, entirely. Domesticated silkworms (Bombyx mori) are not considered an invasive species and cannot survive in the wild. Keeping them at home is perfectly legal and requires no special licensing.
Where can I buy silkworm eggs in the UK?
Silkworm eggs are available from specialist UK suppliers online. Look for reputable sellers who provide clear guidance on hatching temperatures, care, and the specific needs of Bombyx mori at each life stage.
Visit Cedar Nursery to Find Your Mulberry Tree
If you are curious about mulberry trees and want to see what we have in the nursery, come and visit us in Cobham. Our team can talk you through the options and help you find the right variety for your garden. You can also browse our plants and trees collection at landscaping.co.uk to get a sense of what is available before you make the trip. Cedar Nursery is on Horsley Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3JX - open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 5pm. No appointment necessary. Call us on 01932 862473 and we will be delighted to help.