Azadirachta indica Seeds | Neem
LATIN NAME: Azadirachta indica
COMMON NAME: Neem
Plant Profile
Neem (Azadirachta indica) grows as a tree. Neem tree is one of the most useful trees of the warm dry lands. Every part of tree has a long and careful record of use in traditional practice of region, and tree is a fine, dependable, generous addition to warm, dry garden and the avenue. It is a tree of open, sunny, well-drained ground. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. Add these qualities together and you have a species well worth a place in the garden.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Azadirachta indica ranges from the botany of the Azadirachta group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Neem sits firmly in middle of ongoing studies of useful trees of warm dry lands, and tree has been studied for a very long time for chemistry of its leaves, bark and seeds. Little about its garden performance is mysterious; it has been grown and observed for a very long time.
Uses & Benefits
Neem works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Neem earns its keep in more ways than most trees. Bitter, pressed oils of seeds have a long and careful record of use in household and farm practice of region, and leaves and bark are gathered and studied for their place in traditional remedies. Fast-growing, evergreen tree is also a fine, dependable shade tree of warm, dry garden and avenue, and it holds dry ground well. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Neem is the village pharmacy of India: leaves, bark and seed oil serve in traditional skin, dental and malaria remedies, and azadirachtin from the seeds is one of the world’s most important botanical insecticides, used in organic farming everywhere.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Neem, and the process is uncomplicated. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Neem has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Fresh seed sown into evenly moist compost is most of the battle won.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Neem often pair it with these related subjects: