Moringa is a fast growing tree also called as Drumstick tree(probably because of long fruit pods?). Due to the nutritious properties people rave this as the tree of life, miracle tree etc..
Moringa can be propagated by both seeds and vegetative propagation (stem cuttings). The cutting length should be at least 24’’ (~60 cm) long and diameter should be around an inch (~3 cm). The seeds can be seeded directly on the ground or grown indoors and then transplanted after the frost and the saplings are around 12” (30 cm).
The good news is that moringa is a drought-resistant plant and loves sun and heat. It can adopt well to the tropical and subtropical climate. A pop of rain will trigger the plants to send long tall shoots of new growth with fresh green leaves. Once it has sent enough leaves it will produce flower buds. The flowers occur in clusters and are yellowish-white in color. The bees love the moringa nectar. Sometimes heavy winds may break some branches, don’t worry new shoots will appear from the broken base.
Leaves, fruit pods and flowers are the widely used edible parts of the plant. Moringa can easily grow over 10 feet (3 meter) in a year. Before harvesting make sure the plant has established well. While harvesting the leaves, don’t go for the old, mature pigmented (yellow) leaves. Its also nice to leave the new tender growth in the tree. Look out for young leaves (non pigmented). If you don’t harvest the flower it will produce fruit pods/beans called drumstick.
Tender moringa fruit pods are used in cooking. Once they mature they will be woody and undesirable to eat. To collect seeds, leave the pods on the plant until it turns brown. But if you leave for a long time the mature pods will split and you will lose the seeds, because the seeds do come with wings!!! They can fly 🙂
Never make the mistake of climbing the moringa tree. The stout stem may deceive you, they are not very strong.!!!Never try to climb!!!.
