Moringa Oleifera Seeds

Common names include moringa, drumstick tree, horseradish tree, or malunggay.
 
Edible parts of the plant include the whole leaves, the immature green fruits or seed pods, the fragrant flowers, and the young seeds.
 
Because of its medicinal use, Moringa has also been labeled a �miracle tree� having antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties. 
 
Moringa leaves are noted for being high in nutrients and antioxidants.  The leaves are considered a �super food�. Edible raw or cooked, the leaves can be used in many ways. Tender moringa leaves, finely chopped, are used as garnish for vegetable dishes, soups and salads and are commonly dried and crushed into a powder for medicinal purposes. 
 
The tree is also valued for its ornamental qualities.  It has lacey, bright green leaves and pretty, creamy pale yellow flowers.  
 
The young, slender fruits, commonly known as "drumsticks", are often prepared as a culinary vegetable in South Asia. They are prepared by parboiling, commonly cut into shorter lengths, and cooked in a curry or soup until soft. Their taste is described as reminiscent of asparagus, with a hint of green beans, though sweeter due to the immature seeds contained inside.
 
Planting:  Select a site with full sun and excellent drainage.  Moringa will not tolerate wet feet.  Dig a hole twice as wide as the container and the same depth as the height of the root ball.  Backfill with unamended native soil.  Mulch well with compost and tree leaves or native mulch.  
 
Pruning & Training:  When the Moringa is 30�-36� tall cut it back to 18�24�.  Allow 4 � 5 new branches to grow in a vase form, producing a fuller canopy.  These branches will grow quickly.  When they reach 8�-10�, cut them back to eye level.  New shoots will grow again and you can repeat the cutting back.  Thin shoots if necessary.  Harvest and dry the foliage each time you prune.  
 
Production:  Moringa will often bloom 6 months from planting.
    
Watering:  Moringa is drought tolerant when established.  Water once a week when sufficient rainfall is absent.  Do not overwater.
 
Fertilizing:  Moringa is not a heavy feeder.  Compost is usually sufficient.  You can apply a cup or two of organic fertilizer once or twice a year if desired.      Harvesting:  Fruits, called �drumsticks�, can be harvested when they are approximately 3/8�-1/2� diameter.  Leaves can be harvested at any time.  Dry the leaves in a shady place.     

Moringa will need some frost protection if grown outside of our zone 9 region. Their roots tend to be winter tolerant for our zone. You can prune the tree back to about 3 ft and cover and mulch if you experience extreme temperatures.