Growing Moringa Trees in Hot, Dry Climates

If you’re familiar with the nursery story Jack in the Beanstalk, it’s a story about a boy that had magic beans and when he planted them a massive stalk grew into the sky leading to the land of the giants.  Well, if you’re looking for the plant that Jack grew, I’d say Moringa fits the bill. 

A Moringa tree can grow so rapidly in a hot, dry climate like the Arizona desert, it almost seems like you can literally watch it grow.  It’s not uncommon to have 10 feet of growth or more in a year.  Moringa trees can thrive in the ground in zones 8 and higher.

It’s extremely easy to root cuttings or just grow from seed.  You can also purchase trees, but keep in mind that if they were root bound in the pot, it’ll stunt the growth of the tree.  It’s best to just grow from seed. 

Moringa Health Benefits

The term “superfoods” has been a buzz word in the nutrition industry in recent years.  Moringa meets the criteria and has many powerful health benefits.  In fact, pretty much the entire tree can be consumed in some form and provide nutritional value.

Some of the nutrients found in abundance with Moringa are calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, essential amino acids, antioxidants, flavonoids, polyphenols, quercetin, and Vitamins A, C, and D.

Here are the beneficial claims:

• Boosts Energy
• Weight Loss
• Skin Care
• Anti-Inflammatory
• Improves Digestion
• Regulates Diabetes
• Antioxidants
• Speeds up Healing
• Regulates Hormones
• Heart Health
• Improves Sex Drive
• Hair Care
• Kidney Health
• Liver Health
• Helps with Menstrual Cramps

How to Consume Moringa

The green leaves can be eaten fresh in salads or added to things like smoothies.  They can also be dried and made into a powder.  Moringa powder can be quite expensive when purchased at a health food store. 

Click here to check the current prices of Moringa powder on Amazon.

The pods look like extra-long green beans and can be prepared as you would a traditional green bean.  These seed pods can also be used to make oil. If your goal is to produce moringa oil, it’s best to allow the pods to turn brown on the tree before harvesting.  Another way to get the health benefits is by making tea. Here’s how to make Moringa Tea:

Ingredients

• 1 tsp Dried Moringa leaves and stalks or 3-4 stalks of fresh moringa
• 1 cup Hot water
• Honey or Maple Syrup for taste
• Lemon optional

Instructions

• Take 3-4 stalks of moringa.  It’s best to use mature leaves because they tend to dry quicker.
• Allow the stalks to air dry until they’re crispy.  It’s not necessary to separate them as they provide additional fiber. 
• Scoop the dried moringa leaves into a blender and grind.
• Add hot water and allow the leaves to steep for 3-5 minutes (or until the color changes).
• Mix in honey or Maple Syrup to taste. Add lemon if you prefer.

Gardening Skill Level

I would rate growing Moringa trees in a hot, dry climate at a beginner skill level.  The tree is really easy to grow with minimal care.  You can even directly sow the seed in the ground and watch it take off. 

It doesn’t need a whole lot of maintenance or special attention.  It handles the desert heat and will grow back from damage incurred by cold snaps.  Some minor pruning is beneficial throughout the year.

Suitable for Container Growing

I purchased some Dwarf Moringa seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, which was supposed to do well in a container.  I personally didn’t have success growing them in a container but have heard of others making it work.  These trees just want to grow so fast and have a deep tap root which makes keeping them in containers difficult. 

There are many that have done it successfully, so if that’s your only means of growing them, then it’s still worth a shot.  Make sure that you have well-draining soil, as Moringa doesn’t like to be overly wet. 

Planting Tips

The main thing to consider when planting a Moringa tree in hot, dry climates is to ensure it has adequate space.  This isn’t a tree that you’re going to want to put under the canopy of another tree or wedge into tight spaces. 

If you’re looking for a fast growing shade tree, Moringa is great for that.  I’d recommend doing something to amend the soil or using some gypsum to loosen up clay soil. 

RECOMMENDED POST:  How to Improve Clay Soil for Fruit Trees

Watering

Moringa is a highly drought-resistant tree.  When newly planting a Moringa keep it well watered the first month or so.  Once it’s established only water as needed.  Give it a deep soak to where the water gets 3-4 feet down into the soil periodically.  Be careful not to overwater, by frequently irrigating. 

Feeding

Moringa trees have very little feeding requirements.  It’s fine to add a nice layer of mulch and some occasional compost, but other than that, they really don’t need anything else.  Our high PH doesn’t seem to affect them.  They can handle a wide range of soil types and PH levels. 

Sun Exposure

Moringa needs lots of sun and heat to flourish.  This is one tree that you actually want to plant in a location that gets full sun, even in the desert.  Think about a location that will continue to be the warmest spot in your yard throughout the winter, that’ll be the best place for your Moringa. 

Potential Problems

Moringa trees don’t like cold weather.  During our light frosts, the tree will suffer dieback, which is fine because once it heats up the tree will grow back.  Just cut the tree back in the springtime when threats of frost have passed and watch it grow when it heats up. 

Moringa also doesn’t like to be overwatered.  You may start seeing a lot of yellowing when overwatered or going through growth spurts.  Pests aren’t generally a problem for Moringa trees.  They appear to be pretty resistant to bugs and diseases. 

You may get the occasional whiteflies or aphids.  If you are growing these trees around livestock like sheep, goats, etc they will eat these trees. 

Please comment below on anything you enjoyed from this post or your experience with growing Moringa trees in hot, dry climates.