Malabar Spinach- Green

Malabar Spinach- Green

Basella alba

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• Perennial leaf vegetable

• Good variety for warmer climates

• Alternative to true spinach

Malabar spinach is a frost tender perennial vine grown as an annual in cooler climates. Plants have soft stems and almost-succulent leaves and are vigorous climbers. Leaves taste and resemble true spinach in appearance and are used as a substitute. They are used both as a salad green and as a leaf vegetable. Plants grow very quickly in warmer climates and can be used as a screening plant. Growth can be slow in cooler climates. Used to thicken soups and stews. Also known as Pui, vine spinach, climbing spinach, creeping spinach, red vine spinach, buffalo spinach, Indian spinach, Chinese spinach and Ceylon spinach.

How to sow and grow:

Method:	Sow direct
Sowing Depth:	10mm
When:	Spring and summer
Germination:	10-21 days @ 24-30°C
Hardiness / Life Cycle:	Frost tender Perennial (grown as an annual in cool climates)
Plant Spacing:	20cm
Position:	Full sun, moist soil
Days to Maturity/Flowering:	60-70 days

*Notes: Keep well watered. Pick leaves as required. Plants do best when grown on a trellis or other medium.

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