Moringa oleifera update
- To: m*@ucdavis.edu
- Subject: Moringa oleifera update
- From: B*@monterey.edu (Barry Garcia)
- Date: Wed, 22 Mar 2000 05:32:37 -0800
Hello all, poking my head in here again :). Anyway several months ago I
reported that I had purchased seeds of Moringa oleifera (Drumstick tree,
Horseradish tree, benzolive, Malunngay). My first attempt was a failure. I
had used regular potting soil, and the seedling got root rot before it set
out a second pair of leaves. Obviously, potting soil is far too moist for
these trees.
The most recent try has resulted in what appears to be a much stronger
seedling. This time, I used the sand that we have in the garden, and it
shows no signs of root rot (the other stopped growing after the first pair
of leaves came out, so I assume root rot had taken control by then). The
first pair or leaves on this new plant have developed much quicker. It's
stem didn't get as long either. Also, the second pair of true leaves is
coming along fine, and I can see the third set developing. Hopefully, as
soon as the plant is a few more weeks old I can plant it out in the side
yard*. I should have it fully cleared out by then.
*Even though the side yard isn't very big, you can prune these trees back
hard. It is actually suggested the plant be cut back hard to prevent it
from becomming too tall and sparsely branched. Pruning them back hard
forces them to branch. Another benefit is they grow very quickly (many
trees reach 6 feet at least in the first season, so i've heard. Time will
tell on how fast it grows here).
