After it is established, the moringa is drought-tolerant.
It can be grown as an upright tree with a slender trunk or pruned into a bush.
In a cool climate, it is grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.
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The leaves, flowers, pods, seeds, and roots of the moringa are edible.
Growth may be stunted if the plants do not receive enough light.
Soil
Moringa trees are adaptable to a wide range of soils and survive in poor soils.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
However, they thrive in well-draining,sandy soils.
The plants are sensitive to root rot, so avoid compacted or soggy soil.
Water
Keep the soil of moringa plants consistently moist but not wet.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Moringa are sensitive to overwatering.
Established moringa plants are drought-tolerant, but young plants need more consistent moisture to encourage vigorous growth.
Infrequent,deep wateringis better than frequent, light watering.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
The tree may withstand a light frost but generally does not tolerate cold temperatures.
In a frost-free climate (USDA zones10 and 11), moringa grows outdoors year-round.
Everywhere else, it is grown as an annual or overwintered indoors.
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Fertilizer
Add compost to the soil when planting.
To get the young plant started, use a light tool of a general, all-purpose fertilizer.
Once established, moringa plants do not require regular fertilization.
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However, they benefit from having their topsoil regularlyamended with compostor manure.
Types of Moringa
There are over 13 species in theMoringagenus and many cultivars, including dwarf varieties.
All moringa plants are fast-growing, with a growth rate of at least 12 to 15 feet annually.
All of the species were traditionally used for medicine and food.
Prune the moringa during the dormant season, just before the new growth starts.
Use clean, sterilized pruning tools.
When the branches reach 8 to 10 feet in height, top them to eye level.
Remove any shoots growing straight up and any crossing, dead, or diseased branches.
Propagating the cutting indoors gives you the best control over the propagation process.
How to Grow Moringa From Seed
Moringa grows readily from seeds.
The seeds have no dormancy period and are best planted as soon as they have been collected.
Fresh seeds retain excellent germination rates for up to one year.
The pot should be at least 20 inches wide and deep to accommodate the tap root of the plant.
Fill the container with rich, well-draining potting mix.
Overwintering
In a frost-free climate, no special steps are required to overwinter moringa.
Keep the plant in a sunny, warm location during the winter.
As its growth slows, cut down on the watering until growth restarts in the spring.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Luckily, moringa plants are not prone to many pests and diseases.
Termites can be an issue with established moringa trees.
Armyworms, cutworms, stem borers, aphids, caterpillars, and fruit flies are also attracted to moringa.
Root rot, fruit and twig rot, and canker are the most common diseases that affect moringa.
Fruit or twig rot is brought on by a fungus that turns the seed pods or twigs brown.
The treatment consists of applying a copper-based fungicide according to the package instructions.
Cankers are rare but may occur on moringa trunks and branches.
Prune off damaged limbs or branches during dry weather.
Pruning during rainy periods risks spreading the canker fungus or bacteria to other parts of the tree.
What Do Moringa Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The small yellow-white flowers grow in clusters.
They have a sweet fragrance.
Proper pruning to encourage branching is also important for a prolific bloom.
Common Problems With Moringa
Generally, moringa trees are fast-growing, low maintenance, and resist problems.
However, there are a few things to watch out for.
When all the leaves start turning yellow, it’s likely a lack of nutrients or sunlight.
Fertilize the plant and consider moving it to a location with more light.
Browning or Dying Branches and Leaves
A dying moringa is likely due to soil drainage issues.
Root rot is the most common killer of moringa trees.
Ensure that the plant is in fast-draining soil.
Mix in sand, perlite, peat moss, or compost to help improve soil drainage.
Moringa thrives in a hot, tropical, or subtropical climate.
It also prospers in an arid climate as long as it receives sufficient water.
Moringa leaves are ready to be harvested as soon as 6 to 8 weeks after planting.
However, older leaves have a higher nutrient concentration than new growth.
It is a very fast and vigorous grower.
It grows about 10 feet per year, in ideal conditions even up to 20 feet per year.
Moringa: The Next Superfood?University of California, Davis.
