Moringa Tree seeds

Moringa Tree Seeds

Moringa oleifera
Packet of 15 seeds, 25g (80 seeds), 100g (320 seeds)

Other names: Drumstick tree, horseradish tree, ben oil tree, benzolive tree

Moringa is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach a height of 10–12 m and a trunk diameter of 45 cm. Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the "Drumstick Tree," is a fast-growing tropical tree native to the Himalayan foothills of India. This versatile plant has become increasingly popular in Australian gardens, particularly across warmer regions.

Culinary Uses

Edible Leaves: Young Moringa leaves have a mild, slightly peppery flavour and are used fresh in salads, soups, stir-fries, curries, and teas throughout South Asian, African, and Southeast Asian cuisine. Leaves can also be dried for later use.

Drumstick Pods: The long, slender seed pods (20-45cm) are a popular vegetable in Indian, Thai, and Filipino cooking. Young pods are harvested and cooked similarly to green beans, with a flavour reminiscent of asparagus.

Edible Flowers: The delicate white flowers are edible and commonly used in salads and cooked dishes across tropical regions.

Seeds & Oil: Mature seeds can be roasted and eaten or pressed to extract culinary oil used in cooking across Africa and Asia.

MORINGA SEED GERMINATION GUIDE - BY AUSTRALIAN CLIMATE ZONE

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Optimal soil temperature: 25-30°C (will germinate from 20°C but slowly)
• Germination time: 7-21 days (faster in warmer conditions)
• Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting
• Plant 1-2cm deep in a well-draining seed-raising mix
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Requires warmth day AND night. Cold nights will prevent germination

COOL CLIMATE (Tasmania, Alpine VIC/NSW, Southern Highlands)

Challenge Level: Very Difficult

Best Months to Start: November-December (indoors only)

Method:

• MUST use seedling heat mat set to 25-28°C
• Start indoors - outdoor temperatures are never warm enough
• Unheated greenhouse NOT suitable (day warmth doesn't compensate for cold nights of 5-10°C)
• Only transplant outdoors in January-February when nights are 15°C+
• Consider growing in pots that can be moved indoors in cooler months

Reality Check: Moringa struggles long-term in cool climates, even with careful starting

TEMPERATE CLIMATE (Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Canberra)

Challenge Level: Moderate to Difficult

Best Months to Start:

• Indoors with heat mat: September-October
• Direct sow outdoors: December-January

Method:

• Sept-Nov: Start indoors with a heat mat (25-28°C) - essential for reliable germination
• Unheated greenhouse: Only effective from December onwards when nights stay above 12-15°C. Before December, the day warmth (20-25°C) is negated by the night cold (5-10°C)
• Direct outdoor sowing: Wait until December when the soil is consistently 20°C+ day and night
• Transplant seedlings outdoors in December-January when established

Tips:

• Melbourne/Adelaide: Heat mat essential until mid-November
• Perth: Can direct sow from November
• Sydney: Can direct sow from late November

ARID CLIMATE (Inland Australia, Alice Springs, Broken Hill, Much of WA Interior)

Challenge Level: Moderate

Best Months to Start: October-November

Method:

• Challenge: Hot days (25-30°C+) but cold nights (5-12°C) in spring
• Solution: Use a heat mat or start indoors to maintain consistent 24-hour warmth
• Unheated greenhouse: Risky before November - gets hot during the day (30°C+) but drops to 8-12°C at night, shocking seeds
• Best approach: Start indoors with a heat mat in October, transplant in November-December
• Direct sow: December onwards when nights stay above 15°C

Tips: Extreme day/night temperature fluctuations are the main challenge - consistent warmth is key

SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW Coast, Bundaberg)

Challenge Level: Easy to Moderate

Best Months to Start:

• Indoors/heat mat: September-October
• Direct sow: November-March

Method:

• Sept-Oct: Start indoors with a heat mat for an early crop (nights still 10-15°C)
• November onwards: Can direct sow outdoors (soil 20°C+, nights 15-18°C+)
• Unheated greenhouse: Effective from October onwards (day 22-28°C, night 15-18°C)
• Peak season: November-February (warmest conditions)

Tips: Very reliable climate for Moringa - heat mat gives a head start, but not essential from November

TROPICAL CLIMATE (Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Far North QLD, Broome)

Challenge Level: Very Easy

Best Months to Start: Year-round, but best September-March

Method:

• Direct sow any time - soil temperatures consistently 22-30°C+
• No heat mat needed - natural temperatures are perfect
• Peak season: September-March (wet season approach and wet season)
• Dry season (May-Aug): Still works but slower growth
• An unheated greenhouse is not necessary (already hot enough)

Tips: This is Moringa's natural climate - virtually foolproof. It can grow year-round as a perennial tree.

CRITICAL GREENHOUSE WARNING FOR ALL ZONES:

An unheated greenhouse is only beneficial when NIGHT temperatures inside stay above 15°C. Before this point:

• Day: Greenhouse heats to 25-30°C (good)
• Night: Greenhouse drops to 5-12°C (kills germination)
• Result: Seeds experience temperature shock and fail

If using an unheated greenhouse in cool/temperate zones before December, you MUST bring seed trays indoors at night or use a heat mat inside the greenhouse.

SEEDLING HEAT MAT GUIDANCE:

When to use:

• Cool/Temperate zones: Essential Sept-November
• Arid zones: Recommended Oct-November
• Subtropical zones: Helpful Sept-October
• Tropical zones: Not needed

How to use:

• Set to 25-28°C
• Place seed trays on the mat
• Keep indoors or in a heated space
• Maintain 24-hour warmth until germination
• Continue heat until the seedlings are 10cm tall