Why You Should Grow a Moringa Tree at Home

Hint: Because You Can!

Moringa, or “the tree of life,” is a plant of Indian origins with many medicinal and nutritional properties. It is an essential ingredient in the traditional Indian medicine of Ayurveda. Ayurvedic practitioners have used it for thousands of years.

It is possible to grow a moringa tree at home, which makes it a great choice for urban gardeners and superfood enthusiasts alike.

Why Use Moringa

Its vitamin-rich leaves make for a wonderful addition to smoothies, teas, and so much more. What’s so great about moringa leaves?

Moringa leaves stand out as a superfood because one cup of chopped leaves is a good source of iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and riboflavin and has notable amounts of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E, and magnesium. In fact, the leaves are more concentrated in vitamin C than oranges. That means moringa can contribute to everything from better vision and immunity to bone health and skin radiance.

Moringa is packed with protein and essential amino acids, so it is a great option for vegans and vegetarians as well. 

How to Grow A Moringa Tree At Home

Moringa is a fast-growing tree that can easily reach six meters in height during its first year of life. Since it is native to tropical climates, it does not tolerate freezing temperatures or temperatures over 100ºF.  moringa grows best in an environment with average humidity and temperatures between 71ºF and 95ºF. 

If you want to grow a moringa tree at home, you should beware of water-logging. Take care not to plant your moringa anywhere that could flood; if planting in a pot, make sure there is good drainage.

Seeds are available in specialized stores or on the internet. You must first sprout them by leaving them in water for at least 24 hours to soften the skin. After that, you can plant them directly in the earth or in a pot, at a depth of five centimeters.

After a month, your tree will measure around 30 centimeters in height.

You may also choose to plant Moringa with cuttings. Select a 30-centimeter branch with a diameter of at least four centimeters. After cutting it from the main trunk you can plant it directly in the ground or in a pot at a depth of approximately 15 centimeters.

With the right care, in a few days your plant will begin to take root, and new branches will grow.

This tree reaches extraordinary heights, so it is recommended to prune it regularly. The first pruning can be done 60 days after planting. Some people cut back the entire trunk, leaving only five centimeters for the plant to grow back, but it’s up to you, the owner. You can grow the tree as tall as you want. Keep in mind that if you prune it, you will stimulate the growth of branches and leaves.

Enjoy your home-grown superfoods, and share your own growing tips in the comments!

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