Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree) is an evergreen tree that is native to Sub-Tropical and Tropical regions of India, Bangladesh and south-east Asia. Neem Trees are disease and drought resistant, fast-growing and have a wide range of uses. All parts of the tree are used for food, traditional medicine, firewood, pesticides and as an insect repellent.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates and is not tolerant of frost.
Azadirachta indica is also commonly known as Margosa, Indian Lilac and Nimtree and is part of the same plant family as the Chinaberry Tree and Mahogany.
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Growth
Azadirachta indica is a fast-growing evergreen tree that grows to a height of 20 metres (66 feet) and is usually no wider than 10 metres (33 feet). Neem Trees are highly resistant to drought conditions but can be heavily damaged by low temperatures and frost.
If grown in warm conditions that range from 15 to 35°C / 62 to 95°F, plants can thrive and start to produce flowers in around 18-24 months.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Meliaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 40°C / 41 to 104°F.
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 20m (66 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10m (33 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Very Low.
POLLINATION:
Bees and Butterflies.
MATURITY:
18-24 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
60-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-3 weeks.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 4-5.
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Storage at 15°C lasts 6-9 months. Do not store in the fridge.
FACTS ABOUT AZADIRACHTA INDICA (Neem Tree)
The botanical name is derived from the Persian name for Neem Tree which is ‘azad dirakht’ which translates to the Free Tree. Indica means it comes from India, so the botanical name translates literally to the Free Tree of India. That term implies that the tree is free from disease and insect problems.
The leaves of Azadirachta indica are used to prevent insects from eating clothes and grains while the flowers are popular in festivals such as Ugadi.
Neem Tree seeds are ground into a powder that is widely used in organic farming practices to repel insects. To be effective, the powder is soaked in water overnight and sprayed directly onto the crop every 7-10 days.
The tender shoots and flowers of Neem Trees are eaten as a vegetable in soups and curries. Young leaves are fried in oil and served as an appetiser in Bengali.
As a traditional medicinal, the Neem Tree has been used in India for centuries to treat skin conditions and rheumatism. However, some studies have found that while short-term use is safe, long-term use can be problematic and may cause harm to the kidneys and liver.
In 2023, the author of this page had a mite infestation problem that was largely eradicated by a combination of Neem powder and essential oils. The Neem powder was applied every second day to the problem areas for around ten days and was found to be successful.
