Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

We don't often go below 5 C here but it has happened on occasion. Lost a favourite Rosemary bush that was very large and sturdy...

How would you protect the Moringa against a sudden very cold spell Chappo? I have put a lot of effort into planting each one... would hate to lose any. Lost one to monkeys already... just snapped it off... GRRRR!

Interesting how you plant them so close... you got any pics with you?

I can say our soil is very sandy so I doubt the ones in the ground suffered water logging. We did get a few hard freezes which killed off the tops but I don't think the ground got anywhere near freezing.

My new ones which are still in pots will get planted in an area that will be covered by cold frame next winter hopefully.

Going strong TC. Your projects are looking good.

Moringa is doing okay. A few leaves yellowed and fell off but the rest is still kicking. Transport shock maybe.

I grew mine from seed. Took between 5 - 12 days to germinate but out of my first 10 only 6 germinated and then 2 got taken out by something... just sort of wilted like their roots cut or some thing. Ordered some more seed and I have about 30 planted out now. I call it my Moringa forest..... got to use your imagination If you look carefully you can spot each one....

has anyone been feeding moringa leaves to their fish?
there is a fair bit of tryptophan and other rarer aminos in them

theres quite a few around where i live
as street trees
i often see phillipinas gathering the leaves and pods
to cook with chicken and coconut milk

there also seems to be a few forms about
I grew soem which are of a shorter length and more angular
but other trees have long corrugated pods
ill be building a collection of types over time to try and figure out whats what

its a very drought hardy tree, and it goes semidormant in winter
i wonder how its going to cope with AP? i guess we will find out if its dormancy phase is obligatory or optional soon enough.

More than a mention or two been made about Moringa on the forum Juicemonkey... both as a fish feed and for human consumption....

One of our members Chappo... has used it extensively on his Tilapia farm in Thailand...

Excellent fish food.
Tryptophan... that is interesting and welcome info!

I have Moringa Oleifera.... seems to be the one most written about.

Drought hardy once established but thirsty when young... I have noticed mine still growing but very slowly during winter.
I have used it as the start of a Permaculture style Food forest on land. Propagation with AP would probably be excellent and then to plant out. Interesting thought about the dormancy phase... necessary or not. Don't know. Still new plant to me.

Some time ago on Daleys Fruit Tree Forum came across a lady growing Moringa in Melbourne.
Something I didn’t expect.
The only seed supplier I could find here is
http://stores.shop.ebay.com.au/KENNI-KOALAS-AUSSIE-SEED-STORE__W0QQ_armrsZ1
My order’s on the way.

Just in time for the coming spring....

I have some more seeds on order too.

Remember once you have a couple of decent sized tree's ,, you just cut branch's about 20mm thick ,, push them into the ground and 8 out of ten will take off growing in about 3 weeks,,,

Thanks Chappo. Problem is I planted mine in late summer and so winter came while most still quite small. So figured seeds might get me my "forest" growing quicker...

Plan to do it your method when enough growth on them.

Only one of my moringa from last year has come back from the roots. The seedlings I planted this year are doing well. They definitely grow faster with full sun and a bit of extra water and feeding. I still haven't gotten any cuttings to take though.

Those in marginal climates may be better starting seedlings indoors pre spring ..... make sure you use a tall pot ,, they have a long tap root. With that head-start , when planted out they will have a chance to get bigger and more likely to sprout back after the winter is over.

I think I will do that too even though winter is not as hard here. Give them the best start possible before next winter. I think you are right Chappo.... that they get tougher as they get older. I am waiting on seeds from India.... price was too excellent to pass up... and that seems to be taking some time. If this contact works out... everything let through customs.... there are many seeds I will try for. He was advertising on a South African site and only asking for payment when the seeds have arrived so looks hopeful. He might send all over the world. I'll pass on his info if all good.