Germinating any kind of seed has potential to reap many rich benefits. This is especially true for the seedlings of all species of Moringaceae trees. Knowing how to germinate Moringa seeds could bring healing, financial support, and fortifying nutrients to your family and community.
Preparing Moringa seeds for planting is not a difficult process, yet it will take some patience. Moringa seeds may be planted directly following harvest. It is not necessary to dry or age them. Two main ways of germinating them are soaking them in water or planting them directly into a small pot of soil. Be sure to stay clear of any compact or over-saturated earth in order to properly grow a strong Moringa tree from a seed.
Sprouts will drown in marshy lands, and suffocate in substances such as vermiculite, peat pots, and clay. Loose, organic soil with plenty of aeration is perfect to grow a healthy Moringa tree. Moringa powder is beneficial to health and can improve conditions such as diabetes and stomach issues. If you do not wish to plant your own moringa, you can still improve your health with powdered moringa by purchasing it from trusted sources.
If you are not ready to grow them immediately, you can certainly store them for the time being. There is a risk of the seeds’ viability being compromised the longer the planting process is put off. They can be stored in ziploc bags or paper bags. Keep in mind that the seeds have the greatest growth results if they are planted within three months of their harvest, yet have indeed been known to germinate at a few years old.
Some say soaking the seeds 24 hours before planting can majorly assist in the germination cycle. If you choose this method keep in mind the seeds will give off a pungent odor as soon as they are submerged in water. Remove the seeds the following day and place them on a wet cotton cloth or paper towel. Wrap this well and put a net around the top. Store this nicely packaged nursery in a clean vessel. Put this vessel in a dark space and keep an eye on the cloth to make sure it remains wet the entire time.
It may take about one to two weeks for sprouts to form. As soon as you see green baby sprouts poke out of the seed’s dark brown shell, plant it in a small pot with fluffy soil. Let it grow for about one more month and then you may plant it directly in the ground or replant it into a larger pot. The tree is capable of remaining in a 12 liter pot up to 6 months or large pot up to 12 months.
The art of how to plant Moringa seeds is truly a beautiful gift. Mix a healthy batch of loose organic soil with Coconut coir to provide the perfect bed for these precious little miracle trees. Seeds can be planted directly in the ground or in a small pot. Planting the seedlings in a small pot is highly recommended since it will help you control the beginning of their growth and protect the trees while they are still sprouts.
Place each seed 1.9- 2.5 cm under the soil, any deeper will restrain the seed from sprouting. Press the surface of the soil only slightly. Thoroughly water the soil so the surface is damp and set it up in direct sunlight. Water the seed once a day until it begins to sprout. At this point you only need to water the sprout every other day just until the topsoil has been nicely moistened. Please remember, too much water will cause the plant to drown and encourage the growth of mold on the roots. Drainage is one of the most key components in learning how to grow Moringa seeds.
The moment the tree grows its first branches, reduce the water intake to one or two times a week. The roots grow deep and fast. Since they are so rapid, try to monitor how quickly they are growing. If it is necessary, replant the tree into a deeper pot. When the tiny tree grows to roughly 20 centimeters it is, once again, time to pot the tree or plant the little thing directly into the ground.
The Oleifera, specifically, can survive long term in a large pot indoors. Choose a pot that creates plenty of aeration for the roots to breathe and not collect mold. The tree would need to be properly maintained by regular prunings, plenty of sunlight, a decent water supply, and to be repotted once or twice a year.
The waiting is finally over! You are ready to place the tree in the ground. Dig a hole twice as big as the pot’s circumference. Remove the tree from the pot and stick it in the center of the hole. Replace the soil in a manner that it remains loose on top of the roots. Use some green manure to assist in a more fruitful growth. Water the beautiful tree and watch it grow!
This is a tropical plant, so it is of utmost importance to keep in mind the amount of heat and sunlight that is involved in the process, as you learn how to sprout Moringa seeds. Germination happens most effectively in 20-32 degrees Celcius with direct sunlight. Mature trunks can store a sufficient amount of water and are equipped to withstand droughts through extreme heat. However, seeds have been known to survive temperatures much colder and warmer, or in complete shade.
For those who wish to grow Moringa trees in a climate where frost develops, you could keep the tree pruned in a pot so you can bring it inside for the winter. Once temperatures go back to 20 degrees Celcius you can return the tree outdoors. If the air is too chilly, placing a blanket around the roots will do wonders to keep the Moringa tree alive. These nutritious plants are extremely resilient.
The ideal height, of a Moringa tree that is mature enough to start minimally harvesting the leaves, is around 20-25 centimeters. At this point, the branches are also ready to be pruned and cut in half to control the height for harvest. You may trim the top on a regular basis. This action will encourage the tree to bush out and remain at a reachable distance instead of the likely 7-9 meters tall that is typical for a Moringa to reach.
The Oleifera tree will typically only give off leaves for the first 6-8 months of its life. After that point, edible white moringa flowers and its fruit pods will emerge. Green pods may not have mature seeds, but you can still find various uses that they may serve. Wait for the pods to fully turn brown before expecting full-grown seeds to use for food, medicine, or water purification.
