Home › Moringa (Drumstick Tree) › Grow in South Carolina

Can You Grow Moringa (Drumstick Tree) in South Carolina?

US · USDA Zone 8a · zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Grow indoors

Start in a 15+ gallon pot — moringa grows fast enough to give a leaf harvest within 3 months.

Plant zones

9a–12b

South Carolina last frost

mid-February

South Carolina first frost

early December

Days to harvest

90–180 days

When to plant Moringa (Drumstick Tree)s in South Carolina

Start indoors

Jan 18

Transplant

Feb 15

Harvest

May 16 – Aug 14

Dates are approximate, based on South Carolina's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Moringa (Drumstick Tree)

Moringa (the drumstick tree, sahjan) is one of the most nutritionally dense plants on Earth. Every part is edible: leaves in dals and stir-fries, pods (drumsticks) in curry, seeds pressed for oil. Grows fast from seed and handles container culture in cold climates.

Start indoors in a large container. In cold zones, cut back aggressively each fall before bringing indoors — it regrows vigorously. Grows 10-15 feet outdoors in warm zones. Harvest leaves throughout the season. Drumstick pods appear on trees 2-3 years old.

Full moringa (drumstick tree) growing guide →

Gardening in South Carolina

South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with long hot summers and mild winters. The Upstate is Zone 7a-7b; the coast is Zone 8a-8b. Two growing seasons are standard.