The Neem has adapted to a wide range of climates. It thrives well in hot weather, where the maximum shade temperature is as high as 49° C and tolerates cold upto 0° C on altitudes upto 1500 m.

Today, the Neem is well established in at least 30 countries world-wide, in Asia, Africa and Central and South America. Some small scale plantations are also reportedly successful in the United States of America. (back to top)

WHAT SORT OF SOIL SUITS THE NEEM ?

The Neem grows on almost all types of soils including clayey, saline and alkaline soils, with pH upto 8.5, but does well on black cotton soil and deep, well-drained soil with good sub-soil water. Unlike most other multipurpose tree species, it thrives well on dry, stony, shallow soils and even on soils having hard calcareous or clay pan, at a shallow depth. The tree improves the soil fertility and water-holding capacity as it has a unique property of calcium mining, which changes the acidic soils into neutral. (back to top)

HOW MUCH WATER DOES IT NEED ?

Neem tree needs little water and plenty of sunlight. The tree grows naturally in areas where the rainfall is in the range of 450 to 1200 mm. However, it has been introduced successfully even in areas where the rainfall is as low as 200 – 250 mm. It cannot withstand water-logged areas and poorly drained soils.(back to top)

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REACH MATURITY ?

The Neem grows slowly during the first year of planting. Young neem plants cannot tolerate intensive shade, frost or excessive cold.

A Neem tree normally begins to bear fruit between 3 and 5 years and becomes fully productive in 10 years. A mature tree produce 30 – 50 kg. fruit every year.(back to top)

HOW LONG DOES THE TREE LIVE ?

It is estimated that a Neem tree has a productive life span of 150 – 200 years.(back to top)

WHERE CAN I GET THE SEED / SAPLING ?

Please post it in the forums sections .... under the correct category.(back to top)