How to Grow Moringa

Moringa is a tropical and subtropical tree that thrives in warm climates, native to India, Africa and other subtropical regions. The Moringa tree is known for its nutritious fruit and leaves. ^{[1] X Source of Research} Thanks to its rapid growth rate and medicinal properties, the Moringa tree is becoming more and more popular in gardens around the world. Moringa plants can be grown outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) zones 9-11 or potted in colder regions. By sowing seeds or cuttings, you too can have this “miracle food” right near your home!

Table of Contents

Planting moringa

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Buy seeds online. Since moringa seeds are not a common plant, moringa seeds are not usually sold in plant stores. Many online retailers sell moringa seeds in bulk. You can buy as many seeds as you need.

If you don’t grow all the seeds, you can eat the moringa seeds after removing the shell. Remember to chew well.

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Grow moringa by cuttings rather than growing from seed if you can get cuttings from a mature tree. Moringa can be grown from a healthy branch taken from a mature tree. Cut a branch about 90 cm long and about 2.5 cm in diameter. Select and cut a healthy looking branch on the tree. Use pliers to cut both ends of the branches diagonally. Remember that the branches should be at least 90 cm long.

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Fill the pot with 85% soil, 10% sand and 5% compost. Moringa plants need a well-drained soil mix to prevent the seeds from becoming waterlogged. Potting soil mixed with sand and compost is a nutrient-rich and well-draining soil mix for the moringa seeds you’re sowing. ^{[2] X Research Source}

You can adjust the sand and compost more or less depending on the type of soil you use.

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Plant moringa in a pot. Moringa plants cannot survive the winter if the temperature drops below 0 degrees Celsius, so you need to plant them in pots so that they can be easily brought indoors and outdoors. If the climate in your area doesn’t drop to freezing, you can plant it directly outdoors in a similar soil mix. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

If growing moringa from seeds, peel the pods and plant the seeds into the soil about 2.5 cm deep and 2.5 cm apart. Use your fingers to poke holes in the soil.
Take moringa cuttings by sticking 1/3 of the length of the stem into the ground in a 60 liter planter pot. Use your hands to compact the soil around so that the branches can stand.

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Use a watering can to water the soil until it is moist. Water the soil so it is wet but not waterlogged. If water stays on the ground, you’ve been watering too much and the soil doesn’t seem to drain well. Test for moisture by poking your finger into the soil up to 1 knuckle. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Water once a week or more to maintain moisture in the soil, depending on the climate in your area.

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Replant the seedlings that grow from the seed when they are about 15-20 cm tall. When the plants reach this size, they will begin to compete for nutrients in the soil and need to be moved out into separate pots. Carefully use a ruler or planter to loosen the soil around a seedling, lift the roots, and plant in a new pot. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Moringa tree care

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Place the plant in a sunny spot indoors or outdoors. To grow strong and healthy, the Moringa tree needs 6 hours in direct sunlight. Moringa is a plant that is native to the tropics, so it needs as much sun as possible. Place the plant in a location that receives full sun during the day. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

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Water the plant once a week. Although it is a drought tolerant plant, the moringa tree still needs weekly watering while it is taking root. You can poke your finger into the ground up to 1 knuckle to check for moisture. If the soil feels dry, water it. Be careful not to over-water; otherwise, the roots will become waterlogged and may rot. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

If it rains during the week, your moringa tree has enough water for that week.

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Trim the tree with pruning pliers. When starting to grow, the Moringa tree will grow quickly within 1 year. When the tree reaches 2.4m to 3m, cut the tree to the height you want. All cut branches can be planted into new trees. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Bring the plant indoors when the temperature drops below 0 degrees. If you live in a temperate zone, you may need to keep the plant indoors or in a greenhouse throughout the winter. Moringa plants are not frost tolerant and will not survive the winter. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Moringa trees can grow up to 1.8 m tall in a year. You use that to calculate the space you have.
You can grow an annual moringa by cuttings cut from the previous season. The branches are taken from a tree of the same age as the parent tree. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Harvest and Use Moringa

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Harvest the moringa berries when they are 9cm-12cm in diameter. The fruit of the moringa tree is a bean-like, or “drumstick,” that can be used in recipes and teas. If you wait until the fruit is ripe, the pulp will be fibrous and less tasty. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Boil the moringa fruit until soft and eat the flesh inside. The skin of the moringa fruit is fibrous and inedible. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Pick leaves when the moringa tree is up to 90 cm tall. Moringa leaves are considered a “superfood” and can be picked at any time when the plant grows more than 90 cm tall. You can now pick by hand, and the branches are strong enough to not break.

Use moringa leaves to make tea, add to smoothies or salads for added nutrition. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Grind moringa leaves into powder. Dry the moringa leaves in a food dryer or hang them to dry. When the leaves are dry and brittle, use your hands to cut them off from the branches. Use a food processor or coffee grinder to grind the moringa leaves until smooth.

You can add moringa leaf powder to any dish, 1 teaspoon (3 g) at a time.
Moringa leaves can be eaten fresh or dried.

Advice

In climates where the temperature does not drop below 0 degrees Celsius, you can plant moringa in the ground outdoors instead of in a pot. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Warning

Moringa roots should not be eaten, as they may contain paralytic toxins. ^{[18] X Research Sources}
It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not eat moringa. ^{[19] X Research Source}

Things you need

Moringa seeds
Plant pots
Mixture of potting soil, sand and compost
Watering
Tree pruning pliers
Planting pots with a capacity of 60 liters

Steps