Azadirachta indica NEEMTREE (5 seeds)

Neem, indian lilac also known as margosa or nimtree, is an exotic, slow-growing tree native to India belonging to the Meliaceae family. It can reach up to 30 meters in height and its natural habitat is located across Asia.

The flowers are highly fragrant and white in color, growing in clusters. They have 5 petals with a beautiful yellow center.

Neem seeds come from the Azadirachta indica; they are cylindrical, yellow, textured (not smooth), measure on average 2 cm in length, and are very light. They closely resemble olive pits but are slightly thinner.

The leaves are large, measuring 30 cm in length, and consist of several leaflets measuring 5 cm each. They grow in pairs along the branches.

Its fruits are drupes, 2 to 3 cm long. They are smooth and green, containing a milky white juice when unripe, turning yellow to brown as they mature.

- Uses:

Margosa tree produces a toxic alkaloid used to manufacture a powerful insecticide from the oil of its fruit. Azadirachtin is reportedly completely harmless to humans and warm-blooded animals. It blocks the metamorphosis from the larval to adult stage for whiteflies, thrips, and aphids, and paralyzes their digestive tract.

Its bark is also used as an organic toothpaste; its benefits make it a formidable agent against tartar. Its oil is obtained through cold pressing. It is a sacred tree in India, where infusions of its leaves have been used for over 2,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine. It is considered a protective tree in traditional Indian culture. Burning its dried leaves helps repel mosquitoes from homes. In the market, it is also sold in the form of powder, herbal teas, or crushed bark.
Do not use for medicinal purposes without seeking medical advice.

- Sowing and Germination:

• The ideal period for sowing Neem starts in June and lasts until mid-August.
• Prepare a tray of pre-moistened peat and bury the seeds 0.5 cm deep.
• Cover them with a fine substrate.
• Water the planting with a hand sprayer after firming the soil.
• Place the tray in a greenhouse at a minimum of 27°C, in a warm and humid spot.
• Germination will begin 3 to 6 weeks after sowing.

- Soil and Substrate:

It grows in deep, well-draining, and slightly sandy soil. Adding compost is recommended during planting.

- Exposure and Light:

This multi-purpose tree needs a lot of light; it is necessary to plant it in full sun.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

It grows very well and quickly when the temperature varies between 25 and 35°C. Below this range, the plant stops growing. Unfortunately, this tree is not hardy; it must be planted in the ground only in mild climates or brought indoors to a warm place during the winter season.

- Watering and Irrigation:

Azadirachta indica requires a lot of water during its growth period; watering every two days is beneficial for the plant's development. Irrigation should be applied at the base of the tree.

- Propagation:

The simplest way to propagate it is by seed. "Smothered" cuttings (high humidity cuttings) of its stems during the summer period are also possible.