Field Growing Moringa Trees and eating them too.....
Purchase trees at least 3 foot tall grown in tubes so that you get the best tap root development. Grow tubes are also known as sleeves or citrus pots. They are about 18 inches deep and often cone shaped. The purpose of these tubes is to allow strong tap root development. You will want a strong tap root that will rapidly grow and offer better drought tolerance for your field grown trees. When field planting trees do not cut the tap root! Spread the roots out gently.
You may not find nurseries that offer the trees in grow tubes. Your next best choice is a 3 gal or 5 gal standard nursery container tree. You could also plant seeds directly in the field. Your trees should be spaced about 9 feet apart. Think about what you want to produce. Are you growing for drumsticks and beans or primarily for leaves?
Your trees should be planted high and dry in soil that is well drained. Moringa trees grow fast. Many grow as much as one foot per month or more. Moringa trees need full sun for best growth and production of flowers and pods. When these trees are given plenty of water and warm weather prevails flower production is at its peak. Again, during our Florida summer season these trees are very productive so long as the are not planted in poorly drained soil. Moringa can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH.
Moringa leaf production can be accomplished by growing trees to about six feet in height and topping trees and pinching the tips. This encourages compact bushy trees. You can also allow trees to grow approximately 8 foot tall and either harvest leaves, flowers, drumsticks, seeds etc. Moringa trees are excellent for use in permaculture. Two year old trees can provide some light shade to many crops. Growing under the canopy of Moringa trees can extend your vegetable growing season dramatically in hot dry areas.
Moringa trees are tough and with experience you will find what methods work best for you in your environmental conditions.
Always keep in mind that in sub tropical climates cooler weather often defoliates these trees. When your trees are defoliated (without leaves) you must ease up significantly on watering if at all.
Only experience will guide you as to watering. Consider your soil and its drainage to make the right watering decisions based on wind, temperatures, relative humidity etc.
When harvesting pods for human consumption, harvest when the pods are still young and snap easily. Older pods have tough exteriors, but the white seeds and flesh remain edible until they begin ripening.
When producing seed for planting, allow pods to dry and turn brown on the tree. Sometimes branches must be propped up because they hold many pods and could cause the branch to crack off. Be sure to harvest Moringa drumsticks/pods before they split open and the seeds fall to the ground. Store seeds in well-ventilated burlap sacks and keep them in a dry shady location.
Always use the young tender leaves in salads and the older leaves can be used for Moringa powder. Older leaves need to be stripped from the tough stems. Moringa leaves are bitter and have a tangy peanut taste. Some people swear Moringa helps to lower cholesterol and hypertension. Moringa roots are prepared and used as horseradish and for medicinal purposes.
You may not find nurseries that offer the trees in grow tubes. Your next best choice is a 3 gal or 5 gal standard nursery container tree. You could also plant seeds directly in the field. Your trees should be spaced about 9 feet apart. Think about what you want to produce. Are you growing for drumsticks and beans or primarily for leaves?
Your trees should be planted high and dry in soil that is well drained. Moringa trees grow fast. Many grow as much as one foot per month or more. Moringa trees need full sun for best growth and production of flowers and pods. When these trees are given plenty of water and warm weather prevails flower production is at its peak. Again, during our Florida summer season these trees are very productive so long as the are not planted in poorly drained soil. Moringa can tolerate a wide range of soil types and pH.
Moringa leaf production can be accomplished by growing trees to about six feet in height and topping trees and pinching the tips. This encourages compact bushy trees. You can also allow trees to grow approximately 8 foot tall and either harvest leaves, flowers, drumsticks, seeds etc. Moringa trees are excellent for use in permaculture. Two year old trees can provide some light shade to many crops. Growing under the canopy of Moringa trees can extend your vegetable growing season dramatically in hot dry areas.
Moringa trees are tough and with experience you will find what methods work best for you in your environmental conditions.
Always keep in mind that in sub tropical climates cooler weather often defoliates these trees. When your trees are defoliated (without leaves) you must ease up significantly on watering if at all.
Only experience will guide you as to watering. Consider your soil and its drainage to make the right watering decisions based on wind, temperatures, relative humidity etc.
When harvesting pods for human consumption, harvest when the pods are still young and snap easily. Older pods have tough exteriors, but the white seeds and flesh remain edible until they begin ripening.
When producing seed for planting, allow pods to dry and turn brown on the tree. Sometimes branches must be propped up because they hold many pods and could cause the branch to crack off. Be sure to harvest Moringa drumsticks/pods before they split open and the seeds fall to the ground. Store seeds in well-ventilated burlap sacks and keep them in a dry shady location.
Always use the young tender leaves in salads and the older leaves can be used for Moringa powder. Older leaves need to be stripped from the tough stems. Moringa leaves are bitter and have a tangy peanut taste. Some people swear Moringa helps to lower cholesterol and hypertension. Moringa roots are prepared and used as horseradish and for medicinal purposes.
Warning:
Don't cook or eat the flowers or roots! A very good friend of mine had an unpleasant experience from eating the raw flowers. He is alive and well but said he felt like he was having hot flashes for two days and bursting with energy. As with all new foods and experiences go slow and eat very little until you learn from personal experience.