Moringa Growing Guide for Mediterranean Climates

History, Significance, and Nutritional Benefits of the Moringa

Moringa oleifera, often called the "miracle tree" or the “tree of life,” offers exceptionally nutrient-dense superfoods rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly the Himalayan foothills, it has been cultivated throughout Africa and other tropical and subtropical regions for over 2,000 years.

Its leaves contain more vitamin C than oranges and more calcium than milk, boosting the immune system and strengthening bones. They are also an excellent source of protein, aiding muscle growth and tissue repair. Moringa is rich in iron, combating fatigue, and potassium, supporting heart health. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties play a crucial role in protecting the body against various diseases.

Under good conditions, the moringa grows very quickly, and leaf harvest can begin in the first year. So don't hesitate — embrace this wonderful tree!

We’ll be covering quite a few different aspects about growing healthy and productive moringa plants in the southern European mediterranean climate — here in the Algarve, but also in southern Spain, Italy, Morocco, Greece, southern France, etc. Feel free to find the content you’re looking for in the index below:

JUMP TO —> Culinary Uses — Advantages of Growing — Site Selection — Planting — Watering — Fertilization — Maintenance/Pruning — Pest and Disease Management — Harvesting — Propagation

Culinary Uses for the Moringa

Moringa oleifera dry leaves powder

The powder resulting from grinding dried leaves of Moringa oleifera can be sprinkled over smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or soups, for a nutrient boost

Milan, the Botanical Garden Chef’s advice:

  • Leaves: can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. Dried leaves make a delicious tea.

  • Flowers: can be eaten raw in salads.

  • Young pods: cooked like snap peas. Here at the botanical garden, we like this recipe: Moringa young pods and potato stew. We pre cook the potatoes and then cook them along with the moringa pods, garlic, onions, cumin powder, and chili.

  • Roots: also edible, with a taste similar to horseradish.

Advantages of growing Moringa oleifera

  • Hardiness: slightly frost-resistant (can take short periods at -1°C).

  • Growth: very fast (up to 4 meters in one year in southern Portugal).

  • Drought tolerance: once established.

  • Pruning: can be heavily pruned.

  • Environmental benefits: moringa flowers attract a variety of pollinators, not just bees.

Site Selection

Sunlight: moringas require full sun to thrive. Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil: well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil is ideal with a pH neutral to slightly acidic. Moringa oleifera grows best in soils with a pH range of 6.3 to 7.0. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions well. At the botanical garden, we grow moringa trees in very heavy clay soil and it works very well. We add around 30% plain compost to the soil. We also avoid areas of the garden that can be waterlogged in case of heavy rain. Keep in mind that moringa trees will never be happy in alkaline soil (often whitish soil).

Wind: moringa trees are not wind-resistant. Plant them in a protected area and prune them regularly (even during the summer) to help them cope a bit better with any stronger winds.

Three year old Moringa oleifera tree at the Orchard of Flavours

Three year old Moringa oleifera tree at the Orchard of Flavours, flowering

Moringa seedling at planting, being inoculated with a beneficial mycorrhizae cocktail

Planting

Seedlings: transplant seedlings when they are about 15-20cm tall. Space the plants 2-3 meters apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Moringa roots are tuberous and extremely fragile. We recommend not touching the roots and cutting the pot with a utility knife.

Planting time: only when temperatures are above 15°C, ideally in mid-summer, even in full sun with adequate watering. If you plant moringas from October to April, they won’t thrive. They require a warm childhood.

Planting requirements: dig a hole of minimum 70cm by 70cm. If your soil is heavy clay, add a minimum of 30% plain compost. If your soil is slightly alkaline, add a minimum of 70 liters of acidic substrate (peat moss or pine compost). We also recommend adding 35 liters of well-composted horse manure.

Protection: here at the botanical garden, we protect our newly planted seedlings for at least 3 months with a wire mesh structure and a 30% UV reduction fabric.

Watering

Initial stage: water regularly until the seedlings are established. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. A 20cm seedling will need around 4 liters of water per day during the summer, evenly distributed around the tree. The first month is critical until the moringa seedlings become woody.

Established trees: moringa is drought-tolerant. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Please note that if you want to harvest leaves, moringa needs to be watered during the summer. Here at the botanical garden, we recommend around 6 to 8 liters per day during the summer.

Moringa oleifera seedling, showing its tuberous root pattern

Moringa oleifera - Planted in cage

Surrounded with a wire mesh, for protection against wind and as a support for the shade net

Moringa oleifera height and trunk diameter measurements

One of the moringas planted at the Orchard, with its height and trunk diameter measurements for the project’s database

Fertilization

Ongoing fertilization: once a year, between November and February, apply around 100 liters of plain compost around the drip line and 35 liters of well-composted horse manure. Moringa trees can grow in low fertility soil, but if you want them to grow fast and provide you with lots of leaves and pods, they need rich soil.

Maintenance / Pruning

Formative pruning: prune young trees to encourage a strong structure. Remove lower branches and shape the canopy. In windy areas, ensure that your moringa stays compact, as it is very sensitive to wind.

Maintenance pruning: regularly trim the tree to maintain a manageable size and to encourage bushy growth, which increases leaf production. If you cut big branches, use a tree sealer. Always disinfect your pruning shears before pruning (we recommend isopropyl alcohol).

Pest and Disease Management

Disease resistance: moringa is generally disease-resistant. Here in southern Portugal, we have not noticed any disease or pest issues. Ensure good air circulation and avoid water logging to prevent fungal infections.

Flowering moringa oleifera tree

Flowers on a mature moringa tree growing at the Orchard

Nutritional values of Moringa oleifera leaves, fresh and dry

Moringa oleifera - The long dry pods on a tree

The long dry pods, hanging on a tree

Harvesting

Leaves: harvest leaves when they are young and tender. Regular harvesting encourages new growth.

Pods: pick pods when they are very young and green for vegetable use. Mature pods can be left to dry for seed collection.

Propagation

By seeds: You can buy seeds online. Soak the seeds in water for a day and then plant them at a depth of around 1 cm. Make sure the temperature is at least 20°C, or use a heat mat.

By cuttings: Here in Portugal, we have never managed. Clearly more difficult than with seeds.

 

Come down for a visit of the Orchard of Flavours, in Tavira, Algarve, and see our moringa trees!

Orchard of moringa oleifera

Elsewhere, moringa trees can be found growing in rows, as in a traditional orchard. At the Orchard of Flavours botanical garden, you’ll find them interplanted with other species of edible plants.

This article was compiled by Miguel COTTON. If you have any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to contact us. miguel@orchardofflavours.com