How To Grow Your Own Moringa Tree

I Sometimes sell Moringa seeds to people that want to take a stab at going their own tree.
Once in a while someone will reach out and ask questions when there are problems.
The main question is, "how do I keep it alive?"
In Tropical Zones, it is very easy. A Climate Zone map may would tell you which zone you live in.
If you live outside that zone the Moringa tree can be grown with a lot of care in the early stages.

Why grow your own Moringa tree?  FOOD . Many people are starting to use Moringa everyday.  More and more people are finding out the Moringa tree is packed with nutrition , vitamins, minerals and more,  to many to name here see Facts about Moringa for more info on that.
Drying leaves and making powder could benefit and is a good survival food such you have an emergency or even if God forbid you food supply was cut off.

Moringa can be added to foods that lack nutrition and can make very healthy smoothies.
The leaves bring out the flavor in most any type of food and when made into a powder, make a tasty bread as will as Moringa chips.

Growing a Moringa Tree outside The Tropical Zones, as I was saying can be difficult. I have grown this type in Las Vegas with success and so have others. Las Vegas, Nevada is no where near a Tropical climate , but its been done.

Perhaps you have your favorite way to germinate the Moringa tree so I won't get into that. If you have any questions on that please comment, because others might be looking for the same questions and answers.

Its best to start growing in the month of May.  The month of May seems to have mild weather and  chances of a freeze are much less. The Moringa tree will die in  climate under 45 degrees. Outside the Tropical  Zone, the Moringa tree will not tolerate hot direct sunlight. Keep it in the shade. Morning sun, very early is good. The Moringa Tree loves the evening  spring and summer sun, but make sure its less 80 degrees out.


When the tree begins to grow , pinch off any larger leaves at the bottom. The heaviness of the leaves in the younger tree make them bend over. So pinch away the older growth until you are sure it will bare the weight. Protect younger trees from harsh wind. For the first few weeks they are sensitive as they are growing an inch a day and you must watch them like a baby. Remember, they are not liking the climate to begin with.
You can grow a Moringa tree in a large pot. Transplanting from small to larger pot can me dangerous. Make sure you have most of the root.
After 4 weeks  the Moringa tree is ready to harvest. after 1 year it may or may not grow pods depending on where it was grown. In a tropical area it blooms with bright yellow flowers which turn into pods. Inside the pod are more seeds. If the tree is not in its natural environment it may not reproduce . My tree never grew flowers so as a result no pods. If you see bright yellow flowers , you have pods on the way, cause bees love the flowers. Harvest the pods because go good in soups...Yummy!

Keep it cut back
 After your tree starts to grow it can be cut back and will become full , like a bush. The more you cut the tree the fuller it grows. Keep top cut back to no more than 5 feet. It will do well in a large planter.

Tips

Depending on what part of the world you live in, would depend on when it was time to safeguard your tree from the cold. If you keep in a big pot, wheel it inside  and simulate day and night, ie a closet  during winter months. You will need a grow light and a small fan. At night, turn off the light. Moringa trees from what I can see do not like artificial light, however grow lights simulate outdoors and UV rays.

 In the ground
If you plant your tree in the ground its best to plant as close to the house as possible away from plumbing of of course If you let the tree just grow , it will grow 40 to 60 feet and you can not reach the leaves
If it snows your your area, then planting a Moringa tree in the grown is a no go. It wouldn't last 10 minutes.
If you live in a area the doesn't snow and just get cold,  Christmas lights and blanket around the base should help. I have heard that works, but I have never tried it.

All in all , if you live outside a Tropical Zone TLC is required to grow a healthy Tree. After 1 year it will be some what hardy.

Well I hope that helps for those of you that would like to grow a Moringa tree and reap benefits

Thanks for reading