The moringa tree is a tropical plant that thrives in warm climates and comes from India, Africa, and other subtropical regions.The leaves and fruits of the moringa are high in vitamins and minerals.Moringas have been popular additions to gardens around the globe due to their fast growth rate and their medical uses.In USDA zones 9-11, moringos can be grown outdoors or in pots.You can have this miracle food at home if you plant seeds or grow a tree from a cut.
Step 1: moringa seeds can be bought online.
moringa seeds are not common in local gardening stores.Many online retailers sell large quantities of seeds.Purchase seeds that are right for you.Once the outer shell is removed, a moringa seed can be eaten.The seed should be chewed thoroughly.
Step 2: If you have access to a mature tree you can plant a cutting.
A healthy branch from a mature tree can be used to grow moringa.The branch is 3 feet long and 1 inch in diameter.You can remove a branch from the tree.Pruning shears can be used to make a diagonal cut on a branch.The branch should be at least 3 feet long.
Step 3: A 10 US gal pot with 85% soil, 10% sand, and 5% compost should be filled.
The seeds of moringa will become waterlogged if there is not a well-draining potting mixture.If you want a well-drained mix for your new moringa seeds, mix potting soil with sand and compost.Depending on the soil you use, use more or less sand and compost.
Step 4: The moringa will grow in the pot.
The moringas can't survive the winter if the temperature drops below 32 F.moringas can be planted directly outside in a similar soil mixture if your climate does not drop below freezing.If you want to plant seeds, remove the shell and plant them 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart.To push holes into the mixture, use your finger.Push the cutting 13 of the way into a 15 US gal pot if you are planting a cutting.Pack the dirt tightly with your hands so that the cutting is able to stand on its own and the mixture is firm around it.
Step 5: The soil needs to be watered until it is damp.
The soil needs to be saturated but not overwatered.If there is standing water on the top of the soil, you have watered too much and your soil has poor drainage.If you stick your finger into the soil, you'll be able to see the humidity.The soil stays damp if you water it once a week or more.
Step 6: moringas can be grown from seeds if they are 6 to 8 in.
moringas will need to be moved to individual pots when they reach this size because they will be competing for resources in the soil.Carefully use a ruler or transplant tool to loosen the soil around one of the seedlings.Place the root system in the pot.
Step 7: In a sunny spot, keep your moringa.
moringa trees need around 6 hours of direct sunlight to grow.The maximum amount of sunlight you can provide is needed by the moringa trees.Keep them in an area that gets a lot of sun.
Step 8: You should water your moringa once a week.
moringas should still have a weekly watering even though they are dry.Put your finger in the soil.Water if it feels dry.Don't overwater the soil or the roots will become waterlogged and rot.The moringa will get enough water for the week if it has rained.
Step 9: Pruning shears are used to cut back trees.
moringas will grow quickly over the course of a year.If you want the trees to be at your desired level, cut them back when they reach 8 to 10 feet.You can plant another tree if you remove any branches.
Step 10: Store moringa indoors when it is cold.
If you live in a warm climate, you will want to keep your tree indoors during the winter.The moringa will not survive through the winter.Depending on how much space you have, moringa can grow up to 6 feet tall in a year.Each year, moringa can be started with the previous season's clippings.It is the same age as the tree it was cut from.
Step 11: When they are 2 inch in diameter, you can harvest them.
The seedpods can be used in recipes and teas.The inside may have a stringy consistency if you wait until they are ripe.The seeds should be boiled until they are soft and eaten.The exterior of the Pod is inedible.
Step 12: After the moringa is 3 feet tall, you should pull the leaves.
Once the tree is over 3 feet tall, the leaves can be pulled at any time.The branches won't break if you pull the leaves off by hand.Adding the moringa leaves to your smoothie or salad will give you more nutrition.
Step 13: Take the leaves and grind them into a powder.
You can dry the leaves by hanging them.You can remove the leaves from the stem by hand.If you want to grind them into a powder, use a food processor or grinder.At a time, moringa powder can be added to any meal.The leaves can be eaten fresh or dried.
Step 14: moringa can be used for nutrition and medical needs.
There are vitamins and minerals in moringa.moringa can help combat inflammation, arthritis, stomach pains, and asthma.The seeds, fruit, and leaves can be eaten.The roots of moringa contain toxins and should not be eaten.