Moringa oleifera

Germination

Sow seeds indoors as soon as possible. Prior to sowing soak seed overnight in warm water. The seeds may develop a strong smell. Drain and retain the water for watering the seed. Sow into small pots of loose potting soil mixed with coir or sand for improved drainage. Sow 20mm deep. Place somewhere warm and bright. Ideal temp 20-28°C. Keep moist but not wet. Germination takes from 2 weeks but can be longer. Transplant seedlings when 20cm tall to large pots and grow on under glass.

Growing

Best grown under glass in the UK. Can be grown outside in tropical regions. Can be container planted and moved outside in warm weather, 20°C approx. and brought back under glass as the weather cools. The plant will loose it leaves below 20°C and will be killed by frost. Will tolerate any, even poor soils in a sheltered, warm location. When the plant is 60cm tall approx. pinch out the growing tip to encourage bushy growth and restrict height. Continue to pinch out as required up until flowering commences. Only water when dry, once established. Heights achieved vary, up to 14M in the wild, but pinching out and pruning back will limit size.

Cultivation

Remove dead or diseased branches only. Once every 4-5 years the tree can be cut back to 1M from ground level to maintain vigour, the plant will regrow. In ideal growing conditions(tropical regions) this tree can grow very quickly, 3-4 M per year. If harvesting for root consumption do so when the plant is 60cm tall, remove all bark form the root prior to consumption, consume in limited quantities only.