Growing Moringa Tree

Learn how to grow moringa tree in this article. Growing morninga tree is rewarding and requires minimal care.

USDA Zones— 9 – 11, *in colder zones growing moringa tree in pots

Difficulty— Easy to Moderate

Other Names— mallungay, munga, munge, horseradish tree, drumstick plant

Moringa tree or Moringa oleiflera, which is popularly called Drumstick plant because of its drumstick like seedpods/fruits that are edible and have earthy and smoky flavor like you have never tested before. It is native to Indian subcontinent. This tropical plant is hardy in suitable conditions and almost free from diseases and pests.

Growing Moringa Tree

If you are living in Mediterranean or in a tropical or subtropical region of Australia, America, Africa or Asia, this is a must grow plant in your garden. It is a low care plant, drought tolerant and and rarely needs any fertilizer. However, it needs regular pruning to be in shape.

Requirements for Growing Moringa Tree

Location

Plant moringa tree in a location that is sunny and less windy and receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Soil

Soil should be deep, rich in organic matter, fertile and well draining.

Watering

Water the plant moderately when it is young, once established you don’t need to water it unless there is severe drought conditions.

Fertilizer

When growing moringa tree, you don’t need to fertilize it. Instead feed the plant with manure or compost and it will thrive well. If the plant is not growing well, you can apply general purpose fertilizer during the growing period.

Growing Moringa Tree in Temperate Region

You can grow moringa tree in temperate climate but with some restrictions as it needs care in winter. It is not a frost tolerant plant so it is better to grow it in a large container in the sunniest spot of your garden.
In more colder zones, grow it as annual from spring to fall.

Planting and Care

Because temperature below 0 C (32 F) is detrimental to it, growing moringa tree in container is the best option. By this you’ll be able to move it indoors in winter until the temperature rises up and if you have a small greenhouse type setup, do place it in it.
Keep the plant in temperature above 10 C. Plant it in spring or summer once all the dangers of frost are passed.

Benefits of Moringa tree

1. Delicious flavor

You can make delicious and digestive Indian curry and many other South-East Asian moringa recipes from its fruit/seedpod or leaves.

2. Rich in nutrients

Medicinal benefits of moringa are described in ancient Ayurvedic scripts, recent medicinal studies also found its importance, that’s why it is termed as miracle tree or a tree of life.
Moringa is rich in protein, Vitamins C and A, potassium and iron. It is fibrous a lot that using it in diet can cure constipation and other digestive problems.

3. Make Herbal Tea

You can make a caffeine free herbal moringa tea from it, adding a cup in your diet is enough. It has anti-aging properties and improves digestion.

4. Natural purifier

Moringa seeds are used to purify water. They are natural water purifier, throw some of its seeds in water and wash your hand with it, it is antibacterial.

5. Attracts Pollinators

Its cream colored tiny flowers full of nectar attracts pollinators like hummingbirds or sunbirds, butterflies, moths, honeybees and bumblebees. Squirrels also love to nibble its seeds.