How to grow MORINGA in Uganda

Moringa (Scientific Name: Moringa oleifera) is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Moringa, which is the only genus in the family Moringaceae.

In Kiswahili the tree is known as ‘Mlonge’

English common names include: Drumstick tree (from the appearance of the long, slender, triangular seed-pods), horseradish tree (from the taste of the roots, which resembles horseradish), ben oil tree, or benzoil tree (from the oil which is derived from the seeds).

It is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree, native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India, and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas where its young seed pods and leaves are used as vegetables.

It can also be used for water purification and hand washing, and is sometimes used in herbal medicine.

Moringa is a first growing tropical and sub tropical tree grown for its numerous benefits.

Every part of the tree is important starting from the leaves, bark, roots, seeds and even the wood.

Common Moringa Tree varieties grown in Africa

There are over 14 species of the Moringa tree in the world but only two species are widely grown in Africa and these are;

Moringa oleifera - this is mainly grown for manufacturing leaf powder and so far the commonest.

Moringa stenopetala - this type is mainly grown as a food crop and its seeds used to purify the water.

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Soil requirements for growing Moriga in Uganda

Moringa tolerates a wide range of soil conditions but prefers well draining sandy or loamy soils with a pH range between 6.3 to 7.0

How to propagate Moringa trees on your farm

Moringa can either be grown by direct seeding or through vegetative means using stem cuttings.

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How to plant Moringa Trees in Uganda

When planning to set up a Moringa forest or plant a tree in your compound, I would advise you to select a space which can give the tree room for expansion.

Planting Moringa Seeds

As you prepare for planting, clear up the site of all barriers, and even level the ground if they are ragged.

You can set up your tree using viable seeds, here use poly bag with a dimension of about 18 cm in height and 12cm in diameter.

Fill up the bags with a mixture of sandy loam soils, then plant 2 or 3 seeds in each sack at a depth of 1-2 cm.

Improve the moisture by using a spray bottle to provide the water needed for germination.

To encourage rapid germination, soak the seeds in water over the night before planting them.

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Planting Moringa Cuttings

Alternatively an already established cutting can be used to plant Moringa tree.

On a well prepared land, open up circular pits 50x50 cm at a spacing of 3x3m.

Fill the pit with top soil mixed with compost before transfer of the seedling, then place the seedling in the middle of the pit then finish off by covering with the red sub soil.

The reversed soil structure will surely encourage good water absorption. Water and also stake to protect the seedling from winds and animals.

Contact us here to buy Moringa Seeds/Pods/Leaves and Moringa Seedlings in Uganda

How best to Harvest Moringa in Africa

Unlike other trees Moringa can be harvested as early as the first growth year.

At this time the leaves can be harvested and you wait until the tree acquires two years for you to harvest he flowers and pods.

About the Market and uses of Moringa tree

Moringa is mainly cultivated for purposes like food crop, medicinal purposes or even industrial use.

The seeds of Moringa especially the stenopetala type are used to clean water and there has been proof of use in Egypt and Sudan to clean water from the Nile for human consumption.

In folk medicine the plant leaves and bark are applied on wounds to act as an anti-microbial extract to promote healing of the wound.

The tree products still have a niche market as there has been no efforts to develop products on large scale, you can find all these products in local markets like Nakaseero, or even in shops of those who sell folk medicine in Uganda.

Contact us here to buy Moringa Seeds/Pods/Leaves and Moringa Seedlings in Uganda

Quick Tips for planting Moringa in Uganda

• Clear up land to create space for planting.



• Open up pits 50x50cm deep.



• Mix the top soils with compost manure and place it in the hole.



• Then place a seedling in the middle of the pit.



• Cover gently with the red soils.



• Water the seedling.



• Don’t forget staking, it helps to keep away animals.



• Harvest the plant parts according to your need.

Contact us here to buy Moringa Seeds/Pods/Leaves and Moringa Seedlings in Uganda

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