Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica)
Regular price $49.95Natural Pest-Fighting Tropical Tree
Neem (Azadirachta indica), also known as Nimtree or Indian Lilac, is a flowering tree in the mahogany family with a long history of traditional food and medicinal use. Native to Southeast Asia, likely India, its flowers, bark, and seeds have been valued for centuries.
Neem is a tall, fast-growing evergreen tree with attractive broad-leafed branches that form full, dense canopies. Exceptionally low maintenance and adaptable, Neem is said to grow in a wide range of conditions throughout the lowland tropics. It thrives in warm climates and should be protected from freezing temperatures or prolonged cold until well established.
Traditional & Garden Uses
Neem has been used for centuries in traditional practices, with different parts of the tree including the flowers, bark, and seeds valued for food and medicinal purposes. In the garden, Neem is especially prized for its natural pest-fighting properties. Neem oil is widely used as an insect repellent and is known for its activity against insects at multiple stages of development, including adults, larvae, and eggs. Neem also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Why Grow Neem Tree?
- Grow a fast-growing evergreen tree with a naturally full, dense canopy.
- Enjoy an exceptionally low-maintenance tree suited to warm tropical conditions.
- Use Neem as a natural garden companion for its insect-repelling properties.
- Take advantage of Neem oil’s activity against insects at adult, larval, and egg stages.
- Grow a tree with centuries of traditional food and medicinal uses.
Plant Neem Tree (Azadirachta indica) in full sun to part shade and provide well-drained soil. Neem is a fast- to medium-growing tropical/subtropical evergreen tree that can reach up to 50 ft. tall. Allow the soil to dry between waterings and only water when the soil feels dry. Neem thrives in warm conditions and should be protected from freezing temperatures until well established. Outdoors, it is suited to Zones 9–11 with frost protection until well established. In colder climates, Neem can be grown in a container and overwintered on a patio or in a greenhouse in Zone 4 and above. Leaves can be harvested year-round, while seeds are harvested in spring. Neem is self-fertile and develops a broad, dense canopy with attractive evergreen foliage.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Azadirachta indica |
| Common Names | Neem, Nimtree, Indian Lilac |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Origin | Southeast Asia, likely India |
| Plant Type | Tropical / Subtropical Evergreen Tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | Up to 50 ft. |
| Growth Rate | Fast, Medium |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Soil & Moisture | Well-drained soil; water only when soil feels dry |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Harvest Season | Leaves: Year-round; Seeds: Spring |
| Propagation | Grown from seed |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors 9–11 with frost protection until well established; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Growing Options | In-ground, containers, patio, greenhouse |
| Traditional Plant Parts Used | Flowers, bark, seeds |
| Garden Uses | Natural insect repellent, ornamental tree |
| Special Traits | Fast-growing, low maintenance, dense evergreen canopy |
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