Thanks, so much for the seeds. I'm excited. I've never grown a tree before. I've never grown most things before!

"Which tree grows quickly, provides tasty and nutritious food, is both resilient and common in tropical areas, and can even purify water--but has been overlooked by modern medicine?

The Moringa or "drumstick" tree (moringa oleifera) "is an all-natural, inexpensive and accessible multi-vitamin," says Lowell Fuglie, West Africa representative of Church World Service. The tree's leaves contain high amounts of Vitamin A (four times more than carrots), Vitamin C (seven times more than oranges), protein (twice that of milk), calcium (four times more than milk) and potassium (triple the amount in bananas)."

more at link...

I am glad they sprouted for you, they do sprout very easily and grow easily. Keep them in the pots until spring and then plant in the ground (perhaps late March). They grow very fast in the summer and perhaps either next fall you might see flowers but spring of 2007 you will see flowers and fruit. It provides dappled shade and you can grow other plants underneath. I will post more pictures tomorrow.

My moringa flowers:

I still have a few seeds left if anyone wants them.

I know there's a handful (two that I know of) restaraunts that grow as much as possible, one in Mass and one in Oregon (or is it Washington?). The Calico Cow uses as many spices as it can from their own little herb garden out back....

Sharon

Email me your address and i will be happy to send you some seeds.

lotsaplants,
You are right the leaves are good too.

Here are some pictures i took of the tree this morning. It produced fruit/pods twice a year, once in spring and once in Fall. I have two medium trees and one small. The two medium are next to west facing block wall.

My tamarind tree that i grew from seed and planted in the ground this fall. The seed pods and leaves are used for cooking.

Great post, pics, and info. Paperwhite, the drumstick seeds you shared with me at the gardenweb swap have sprouted too. They're only about an inch or so in height, but I'm so excited about them. Thanks again for sharing them.

I planted half of them the day of the Swap, and kept half for spring. I have a question though:'

Should I/we leave our little plants out for the winter? Or should we bring them indoors? I know the larger plants are hardy enough for here but curious to know your suggestions for our babies.

Thanks again for the great seeds. I'm really excited. I'm going to have to bother you for some recipes now, heh heh.

Take care,
Grant

You are right. On cold nights you could bring in your seedlings to a warmer part of your patio. Since they grow quickly they should be bigger by the time it is dec/jan. Come march you can plant them outside.

If anyone else is interested in seeds please email me seperately and i will post them. I still have a few left and will have more come spring.

Thanks again for your generosity with the seeds and with the cultural information. :)

Take care,
Grant

We used to have a tree in India many years ago, but I remember it attracted a hairy caterpillar whose hair gave humans a severe itching and rashes. We had to burn that tree every year to get rid of the pest. What can I say, the tree was fire resistant ;)

I hope the pests are not an issue here in AZ :)

I live in Phoenix. I am expecting some Drumstick seeds in a couple of weeks. If I am able to get them, I can share them with you.

Padma

Just check this link next week towards the end. i will put in a message and my mail id when i receive it. Do u want any Jackfruit seeds too?

Padma

thanks, siju

I am from Andhra... :) Jackfruits do grow in Texas as I got my fruit from Texas.. My mail id is ambadipudipadma@hotmail.com I got some veggie seeds from India. My cousins living in Arlington, Texas, will be visiting us this long weekend. If u send a mail I can find a way to send u some seeds.

Padma