Moringa tree is a tropical and subtropical plant that can thrive in warm climates, originating from India, Africa, and other subtropical regions. Moringa is known for its leaves and fruit that contain a lot of nutrients. Because it can grow quickly and can be used as medicine, Moringa is widely grown by people around the world. Moringa can be planted directly in the ground or in pots in cold climates. Grow Moringa from seeds or cuttings so you can have this "magic food" near your home!
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Part 1 of 3: Planting Moringa Trees
Step 1. Buy Moringa seeds online
Because moringa is not a common crop, farm stores may not sell the seeds. Many online sellers offer seeds in large quantities. Buy the seeds in the amount you want.
If there's any left, you can eat the moringa seeds after removing the outer skin. Chew the seeds until smooth
Step 2. Grow Moringa from cuttings (not seeds) if you can get a mature Moringa tree
Moringa can be grown from stem cuttings taken from mature trees. Cut a moringa tree branch 90 cm long and about 2.5 cm in diameter. Choose branches that look healthy. Use pruning shears to cut branches diagonally at both ends. Try to cut branches with a length of at least 90 cm.
Step 3. Fill a 40 liter pot with 85% soil, 10% sand and 5% compost
Moringa requires a planting medium that can drain water well. Otherwise, the seeds will be waterlogged. Mix potting soil with sand and compost to get a fertile growing medium that can drain water well as a place for growing Moringa seeds.
Depending on the soil you are using, you can reduce or increase the amount of sand and compost
Step 4. Plant Moringa in a pot
Moringa will not be able to live in winter with temperatures below 0 °C. So, plant moringa in pots to make it easier to move inside and outside the house. If the climate in your area is still above freezing, you can grow moringa directly outdoors with the same growing media mix.
- If you are growing it from seed, remove the outer shell and plant the seeds about 3 cm deep, 5 cm apart. Use your finger to make holes in the planting medium in the pot.
- If you are growing them from cuttings, place the buds on top and stick the cuttings into a 60 liter pot. Compact the soil with your hands so that the cuttings stand firmly and the planting medium around the stems hardens.
Step 5. Water the soil thoroughly until it is wet
The planting medium should be wet, but not stagnant. If the water is standing above the soil, you are overwatering, and the growing medium may not be able to drain the water well. Check for moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle.
Water once a week or more depending on the climate in your area to keep the soil moist
Step 6. Remove the planted moringa from seed when it reaches 15-20 cm in height
When the moringa have reached this size, they will begin to compete for food and must be transplanted into separate pots. Use a ruler or a pruner to carefully loosen the soil around the seedlings to be transplanted. Remove the plant with its root system and place it in a new pot.
Part 2 of 3: Caring for Moringa Trees
Step 1. Place the moringa in a sunny location indoors or outdoors
In order to grow strong and healthy, the Moringa tree must get about 6 hours of direct sunlight. Moringa trees come from tropical areas so they must get a lot of sunlight. Place the moringa in a location that gets full sun throughout the day.
Step 2. Water the moringa tree once a week
Although moringa is drought tolerant, it should still be watered weekly while it is still growing. Insert your finger into the ground up to the second knuckle. If the soil feels dry, water your tree. Be careful not to over-water it. If you overdo it, the roots will be submerged in water and may rot.
If it rains that week, the Moringa tree has got enough water in a week
Step 3. Use pruning shears to do the pruning
When Moringa begins to grow, this plant will grow quickly within a year. Once the tree reaches a height of 2.5 to 3 meters, do some pruning to get the desired tree height. Each branch you cut can be dried and planted to get a new tree.
Step 4. Put the moringa in the room if the temperature is below freezing
If you live in a country with four seasons, add moringa to your house or greenhouse in winter. Moringa is susceptible to frost and will not survive the winter.
- Moringa can grow as high as 1.8 meters in one year. So, adjust the size of the tree to the space you have.
- Moringa can be replanted annually by cuttings taken from trees in the previous season. Cuttings from moringa tree cuttings are the same age as the original tree.
Part 3 of 3: Harvesting and Using Moringa
Step 1. Harvest the seed pods when they reach a diameter of 10-13 millimeters
Moringa seed pods or " drumstick " can be taken and used for cooking and tea recipes. If the seeds are allowed to ripen, the inside will be stringy with an unattractive density.
Boil the seed pods until soft and squeeze the seeds inside the pods to eat. The outside of the pod has a fibrous texture and is not edible
Step 2. Pick the leaves when the moringa has reached 90 cm in height
Moringa leaves are considered a "superfood" and can be picked at any time if they are over 90 cm tall. In this condition, the branches are strong enough and will not break when you pick the leaves by hand.
Soak moringa leaves to make herbal teas, or add the leaves to salads or smoothies for added nutrition
Step 3. Grind the Moringa leaves into a powder
Dry the Moringa leaves using a dehydrator (dryer) or by hanging them. When the moringa leaves have shriveled up and are crunchy, use your hands to remove them from the stems. Grind the Moringa leaves to make a powder using a food processor or grinder until smooth.
- You can add moringa leaf powder to any food as much as 1 tsp. (3 grams) at a time.
- Moringa leaves can also be dried or eaten fresh.
Step 4. Use Moringa for medicinal or nutritional supplements
Moringa contains a lot of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs. Many people consume moringa to treat inflammation, stomach pain, arthritis, and asthma. The fruit, seeds and leaves can be consumed.
Moringa root has a radish-like aroma and should not be consumed because it contains toxins
Tips
If you live in an area with temperatures above 10 °C, you can plant Moringa trees directly into the soil, not in a pot
Warning
- Never eat the roots of the Moringa tree because it contains toxins that can cause paralysis.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not consume moringa.
