Home › Moringa (Drumstick Tree) › Grow in Virginia

Can You Grow Moringa (Drumstick Tree) in Virginia?

US · USDA Zone 7a · zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Won't grow here

Moringa is frost-tender, but in a large container it grows fast and produces leaves all summer.

Plant zones

9a–12b

Virginia last frost

early March

Virginia first frost

late November

Days to harvest

90–180 days

When to plant Moringa (Drumstick Tree)s in Virginia

Start indoors

Feb 7

Transplant

Mar 7

Harvest

Jun 5 – Sep 3

Dates are approximate, based on Virginia'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 Virginia

Virginia ranges from Zone 5b in the mountains to Zone 7b on the coast. The Shenandoah Valley is Zone 6b-7a. Four seasons with a long productive growing window in most areas.