A Beautiful, Edible & Beneficial Tree
Known as a “Ben Oil Tree,” the Moringa Tree is a popular choice across the world for its edible parts high in nutrients and minerals - not to mention, its exceptional beauty!
What’s interesting about this tree is that the leaves, pods, seeds, and even the roots are edible! In fact, many people use parts of the Moringa Tree in recipes, as the flavor commonly resembles that of horseradish. It also provides phenomenal nutritional benefits.
Another great feature? Moringa Trees are stunning and act as a real statement piece with lush green leaves and white flowers against unique-colored, white bark. They also produce pods filled with seeds that reach about a foot long, which are often said to look like drumsticks!
Grow this tree outdoors in warmer climates or in a container indoors in cooler climates, and watch it thrive. Start growing your very own Moringa Tree to reap its many benefits!
Planting & Care
1. Planting
In Ground:
1) Dig your hole 3 times the width and slightly shallower than the root ball.
2) Loosen the soil, in and around the hole so the roots can easily break through.
3) Use your fingers to separate the roots of your Moringa Tree and gently position downward in the hole.
4) Hold the tree straight as you begin to backfill the site tamping down the soil as you go to avoid air pockets.
5) Back fill the hole, apply water to settle the soil and mulch the area to conserve soil moisture and keep competing growth back.
In Container: Moringa Trees can also be successfully grown in containers, provided they get proper care and placement.
1) When selecting a container for your Moringa Tree, be sure it has plenty of holes on the bottom as drainage is essential. The pot should be 2 times the size of the one it initially came in.
2) A good potting soil such as Miracle Grow should be fine for filling in the open pot space. Try to leave so space above from the top of the pot lid for easy watering.
3) Choose a location on the patio, back yard, front/side of the house providing it will receive full sun.
4) If bringing indoors during the winter, keep by a sunny window and water as needed. Also, avoid exposure to both cold drafts and heat from a window or vent.
2. Watering: Moringa Trees do not need much watering, which allows them to thrive in very dry conditions. Water as needed for the first two months to keep the soil moist and afterwards only when the tree is visibly stressed.
3. Fertilizing: Moringa Trees don’t usually needs fertilizing. The grows well without it, but if the tree needs a little help, you can use a fertilizer high in phosphorus to help develop the root or high in nitrogen to help with leaf growth.
4. Pruning: Moringa Trees will need to be pruned to help promote branching. As soon as the tree have at least two layers of branches, it’s time to start pruning.