Neem plant (Azadirachta indica)

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by IDigPerfectSquareHoles, Jul 8, 2011.

  1. IDigPerfectSquareHoles

    IDigPerfectSquareHoles Gardener

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    Has anyone tried growing neem? I looked online there's virtually no plants OR seeds on sale in the UK, found one Indian-based seed seller on eBay. I don't trust eBay on these matters but I'd give it a go as it's only £3.75 a packet, however I can't find much information on how to grow it, either.

    Can it survive outside? One report says it can grow in zone 9a, another that it is only hardy to 0 degrees C... How about a patio pot which will be moved indoors in winter? If grown indoors full-time, will it thrive?

    Many thanks.
     
  2. catztail

    catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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  3. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    There's never any harm in trying :thumbsup: but it isn't really very suitable for our climate or for a pot.

    Our winter would definitely kill it off unless it is kept totally frost free and if you use a pot it would need to be a very deep one as it gets a deep taproot. Putting it in a cold greenhouse for the winter is bound to kill it off and having a big pot indoors can be quite a nuisance - unless you have a large conservatory or an orangery :D
     
  4. IDigPerfectSquareHoles

    IDigPerfectSquareHoles Gardener

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    Um. Good points. I did use to have a date palm in a pot in a city flat, in a colder climate. Grown from a stone of a date I ate! No "sewing in good quality seed compost under glass" or anything like that, just stuck a handful of stones into several house plant pots. I mean, pots where something already grew. Two stones germinated! Kept one and gave one away. I was 12.
    Bit mad, aren't I :rolleyespink:
     
  5. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    :D No not mad..!! :D There is some excellent info here on growing them as a houseplant.. I would use some John Innes seed & cutting compost with some added well rotted bark added for extra drainage & your usual feeds... :WINK1: :D
     
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    • IDigPerfectSquareHoles

      IDigPerfectSquareHoles Gardener

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      Oh thanks for that Marley :wub2:
      I'll have a go.. after I've dug up my front garden and built a slide for my little one with excess clay! :rolleyespink: I've certainly gone mad with my gardening projects this year (to compensate for the previous 2 years being unable to do anything there)

      I've also got 3 macadamia seedling.. God knows what I'm gonna do with these.. I don't know if they'll ever even flower!

      It's just, every time I come across/read about some obscure plant I can't help but have a go at growing it. From seed usually. To avoid going bankrupt :OUCH:
       
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