Moringa Seeds for Home

These seeds grow the true Moringa oleifera, the Indian moringa or drumstick tree (known in Arabic as "the ben tree"). It is prized for its mild, green-pea-like flavour in the slender young pods and its tender, nutritious leaves used fresh in soups and salads. Fast and forgiving, it makes a graceful, feathery-leaved tree that loves the Egyptian sun.

Planting

Soak the seeds for about 24 hours to speed germination, then sow roughly 1-2 cm deep and never more than about three times the seed's width. Warmth is key: seeds sprout in 3-14 days at a soil temperature of about 25-35 C. Choose a full-sun spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct light and well-drained sandy or clay soil. In the Delta and Lower Egypt sow in March-April once nights stay above 15 C; Upper Egypt can start in late February. Space trees 2-3 m apart, and transplant nursery seedlings when 15-20 cm tall.

Fertilizing

Feed with organic matter at the base: apply bulk compost plus well-composted manure once a year during the cool season (November-February). A slow-release all-purpose granular feed once in early spring is optional where compost is generous.

Care

Water young saplings every 2-3 days and established trees about once a week without rain; avoid waterlogging. Protect from cold, as the tree is damaged near -1 C. Watch for caterpillars, aphids, fruit fly and borers, and prevent seedling damping-off with good drainage. Harvest leaves within 3-6 months and pick pods tender at about 15 cm.