Plant Moringa After Frost

Plant Moringa After Frost guide illustration

Plant moringa from seed after frost, about an inch deep and about five feet apart.

Planting Moringa care summary diagram

Sow after frost, an inch deep and about five feet apart

FactorRecommendedAvoid
WhenAfter the last frost, once the soil is warmDo not sow into cold, wet ground
DepthAbout one inch of soil over the seedDo not bury the seed several inches deep
SpacingAbout five feet; three to six feet if you are packing a leaf rowDo not crowd trees a foot apart if you want a lasting trunk
StartSow in place, or move a seedling while it is still smallDo not tear the taproot on a tall seedling

moringa sprouts in one to two weeks from a shallow sowing. [1] Wait until frost is over. Cover the seed with about an inch of soil, and leave about five feet between plants. A tighter three-to-six-foot row is for a leaf patch you will keep cut. [2] A hardwood cutting is another way to start the tree in the same season. Use last year's hard wood in warm months, and set it so about a third of its length is in the ground — the steps are below.

When do I plant moringa seed?

After the last frost, once the soil is warm. Cold, wet ground rots the seed.

How to sow a moringa seed

Soak the seed overnight, then sow it where the tree will grow, because a late move can tear the taproot. [3] Keep the surface barely moist until it sprouts.

  1. Soak the seed in water for about a day.
  2. Sow it about an inch deep after frost, in full sun, on ground that drains.
  3. Leave about five feet between plants, or three to six feet in a leaf row you will keep cut.
  4. Keep the surface barely moist until it sprouts, usually in one to two weeks. Do not move a tall seedling with a torn taproot.

Can I grow moringa from seed in a pot first?

Yes, if you move it while it is still small. A late transplant that tears the taproot sets the tree back.

How to set a moringa cutting

Use last year's hard wood, not a floppy green shoot, and keep the soil barely moist until new leaves show. [4]

  1. Cut a hardwood piece several feet long, about as thick as a broom handle or thicker, from a healthy tree.
  2. Let the cut end dry in the shade for a day or two so the wound skins over.
  3. Dig a hole about a foot deep in full sun, on ground that drains. Set the cutting so about a third of its length is in the soil, and firm it.
  4. Water to settle the soil, then keep it barely moist until new leaves show. Do not sit the wood in a puddle.

When do I take a moringa cutting?

In warm months, after frost. Cold, wet ground rots the wood.

Sow after frost, cover the seed with about an inch of soil, and leave room between plants.

FAQ

Can I grow moringa from a grocery drumstick?

Only if the pod is fully dry and the seed is still alive. Fresh green pods are food, not a seed packet.

Recommended plants

References

  1. [1] Gardening Know How - https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/moringa/about-moringa-trees.htm
  2. [2] UCCE Central Sierra Agriculture - https://ucanr.edu/site/ucce-central-sierra-agriculture/article/moringa-oleifera-miracle-tree
  3. [3] UC ANR Master Gardener Helpline - https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2020-07/329403.pdf
  4. [4] UC ANR Under the Solano Sun - https://ucanr.edu/blog/under-solano-sun/article/moringa-must-have-backyard-plant

This note is part of Moringa Guides.

More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.

Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors

This guide is written for real gardens, not perfect climates. Results vary with site, season, and plant choice. We draw on multiple sources and practical experience; treat the steps here as honest guidance, not a promise that every bed will behave the same.