Neem — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Azadirachta indica |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 23.9–32.2 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 1825–3650 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 609.6–914.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 609.6–1524 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 457.2–914.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant in well-drained, lean to fertile soil in full sun in a frost-free location; neem is one of the most multipurpose trees in tropical horticulture, revered for thousands of years in India where virtually every part of the tree is used: the seeds yield neem oil, widely used as an organic pesticide and insect repellent containing azadirachtin, a potent botanical insecticide; the leaves are used medicinally for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties; young shoots and leaves are eaten as a bitter vegetable in some South and Southeast Asian cuisines; and the twigs are traditionally used as disposable toothbrushes (chew sticks). The tree itself is a spectacular ornamental — fast-growing with a broad, spreading crown of dense, pinnate leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers beloved by bees. It is one of the most drought-tolerant trees available and tolerates alkaline, poor soils that support little else. The organic pesticide market for neem oil products has created significant commercial cultivation in Florida and Hawaii.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0