How to Grow Moringa from Seed? Detailed Planting Methods and Techniques

Moringa is generally propagated from seed. It is best to use fully mature seeds harvested in the same year, as the germination rate can reach over 90%. Seeds stored for too long will have a reduced germination rate; seeds stored conventionally at room temperature for one year have a germination rate of only about 60%. In tropical regions, sowing can be done year-round, but the best sowing period is from late February to early March. Let's take a look below at how to grow moringa from seed!

Moringa Seedbed Preparation

Choose land for the moringa seedbed that is close to the planting site, sheltered from wind, and convenient for water access. Remove weeds, stones and other debris, level the land, and build a germination bed with red bricks about 600×80×40 cm in length, width and height. Then add river sand to a thickness of 20-25 cm. Set up a shade net of about 40% shading above the seedbed; the shade shed should be 1.7 m high, with length and width determined by the actual terrain and scale of the seedbed.

Moringa Seed Treatment

Before sowing moringa seeds, first remove defective seeds, immature seeds and moldy, rotten seeds. Pour the selected seeds into prepared medicinal solution and soak for 15-17 hours before sowing. Fungicides such as 800-1200 times diluted carbendazim, Lüheng No. 2, or baijunqing can be used. When sowing, use a straight wooden stick to level the sand bed, then manually press the seeds into the sand at a spacing of about 2 cm. A sowing depth of 1.5-2 cm is appropriate; too deep or too shallow will reduce the emergence rate. After sowing, water thoroughly, then cover with agricultural film. Seeds from the current year generally sprout in 5-7 days, while seeds from the second and third years sprout 3-5 days later.

Moringa Bagging and Seedling Raising

The nutrient soil for moringa seedling bags should be fertile and loose. Prepare it by mixing clean soil, decomposed high-quality organic fertilizer, calcium magnesium phosphate, and compound fertilizer in a ratio of 100:25:3:2. Mix evenly and set aside. The nutrient bags should be 12×17 cm in size, and the seedbed should be made as a low bed about 80 cm wide. When filling the bags, pack them tightly and fully. Arrange the filled nutrient bags on the seedbed, with the bags pressed close together. About one week after sowing in the sand bed, the seedlings begin to emerge. When the cotyledons have just unfolded, transplant them into the arranged nutrient bags. Be very careful when moving the bags and do not damage any part of the seedlings. After planting, immediately water thoroughly with 800 times diluted Lüheng No. 2 solution or another fungicide.

Moringa Seedling Management

After the moringa seedlings have survived transplanting, water with 800 times diluted Lüheng No. 2 or another fungicide once every 15 days. Always observe for pests and spray pesticides in a timely manner. Water frequently to keep the soil in the bags moist, but do not use too much water to prevent root rot. When the seedlings grow to 5-6 leaves, the shade net can be removed for hardening. After about 4 weeks, the plant height can reach over 40 cm, and they can be planted into the field at the appropriate time. If transplanting is too late, the main root of the seedling will penetrate the bag and affect the survival rate.