How To Grow Moringa Tree From Seed

Growing Moringa Tree from Seed

Moringa Seed Germination

Moringa Seed Germination

1. I got moringa seeds from a garden seed supplier on ebay.
2. The moringa seeds can be germinated at any time of the year. I have grown moringa tree from seeds successfully in Sydney, Australia.
3. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours.
4. Sow the seeds about a inch deep in 10 cm pot containing free-draining soil, a mix of potting mix and 50% river sand in equal amount.
5. Place the pot in sun and keep the soil damp.
6. The moringa seeds will germinate in 5 to 15 days under ideal temperatures for germination 20-30°C (70-90°F). If the temperature is low, you can seal the pot in a polythene bag to maintain high humidity and keep the pot in a warm area indoors. This way moringa will grow indoors.

Transplanting the Baby Moringa Plants

Transplant the moringa baby plant when it is 1 foot (30 cm) high. Be careful in transplanting, do not damage the tap root and disturb the root system.

Video on How To Grow Moringa Tree Feom Seed

how to grow moringa tree from seeds video

Soil For Moringa Tree

The moringa tree is not fussy about soil, they can grow rapidly in any soils, but prefers a neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.3 to 7.0) soil. The soil or growing moringa tree should be  free draining and nutrition rich sandy or loamy soil. Add river sand to the soil to make it free-draining and cow manure and compost to make it rich in nutrients.

Location: Where to Plant Moringa

Plant moringa tree in a sunny place in your garden where it gets at least 5 hours of sunlight daily. It grows best in temperatures 25 to 35° C (77 to 95° F). In winter you have to take special care to protect and save your moringa (how to grow and save moringa tree in winter).

Watering

Water daily to the young plant. Water less frequently, once the plant is established.   Moringa is drought tolerant, but you should have an eye on the plant. You should immediately water the plant when its leaves start to sag.

Fertilizer For Moringa Tree

Fertilizing your moringa tree is not essential if you have added manure and compost in the soil. You can feed the plant by liquid fertilizer.

Pruning

Moringa Seedling

The moringa tree can grow up to  a height of 12 meters (40 feet) and width up to 5 meters (15 feet). The moringa growth rate is very fast. T he seed grown plant can grow  4 feet high in just 3 months! If not pruned, the tree can become unmanageable and difficult to harvest.

It is advised to prune the tree when it is 4 feet tall to grow new branches. each branches should be cut back to 1 foot. each year you can prune the tree to a height of 4 -5 feet after the fruits have finished. Regular and frequent  pruning will keep the moringa tree in bushier shape.

Pest control

The moringa tree is pest resistant so normally there will not be any pest problem (moringa tree diseases). However, sometimes, caterpillars, aphids, fruit flies, etc. can cause minor damage. If the tree is infested, do not spray anything other than a dilute solution of neem oil, or just chop off the infected leaves and branch.

Harvesting Moringa Leaves and Pods

1. Almost all parts of the moringa tree are edible. Start harvesting leaves when the plant reaches about a foot high.
2. Immature seed pods, known as drumsticks in India contain dietary fiber, potassium, manganese and magnesium.
3. The moringa seeds look like peas, contain vitamins C and B and can be eaten like peas.

Video on growing moringa tree from seed