Indian or Malabar spinach, certified organic seeds

Name: Indian or Malabar spinach, certified organic seeds ( Basella alba )
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Basella alba

Product code : GAIAS-0274

Malabar spinach is a tropical vine with edible fleshy leaves that thrives in summer heat. Grown as an annual in Canada; harvest around 60 days. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

Indian or Malabar spinach, certified organic seeds (Basella alba) This vigorous tropical vine produces glossy fleshy leaves that can be used like spinach while thriving in summer heat. It is not related to common cool-season spinach. Grown as an annual in Canada, it can climb 6 to 10 feet on a trellis and also adds ornamental interest to an edible garden. Leaves and tender young stems can be eaten raw or cooked. The packet contains approximately 100 Ecocert Canada certified organic, open-pollinated heirloom seeds for productive warm-season harvests. It is ideal for trellised kitchen gardens.

Soak seed in warm water for up to 12 hours, or lightly scarify the seed coat, then sow 1/2 inch deep. For a longer Canadian season, start seed indoors in a warm medium and transplant only after soil has warmed and all frost risk has passed. Maintain approximately 18 to 24°C, preferably near 21°C, during germination, which Gaia lists at 7 to 14 days. Space plants about 6 inches apart and rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Install a sturdy trellis at planting so developing vines can climb without damaging nearby crops.

Grow Malabar spinach in full sun and fertile soil rich in organic matter that drains well but stays consistently moist. This plant enjoys heat and regular moisture; it is frost sensitive and should not be described as hardy to −10°C. Harvest begins around 60 days. Pick tender leaves and shoot tips as needed, cutting just above a node to encourage branching. Rinse leaves and use them in salads, soups, stir-fries, or curries. For short storage, keep clean dry leaves at approximately 10 to 16°C with high humidity, then use them promptly for the best texture, colour, and mild spinach-like flavour.

Uses in the garden

Train this edible vine on a trellis, fence, or large container with support. Its vertical growth adds height to the garden and supplies leaves during summer heat. Place it where it will not shade smaller crops and leave enough access for regular shoot harvests. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots. Before outdoor planting, gradually acclimatize young plants to wind, sunlight, and changing temperatures over several days. Follow the stated spacing so air can move between plants and each plant receives adequate light, water, and nutrients. Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry, then adjust frequency for weather, drainage, and container volume.

01 How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains approximately 100 seeds certified organic by Ecocert Canada. Gaia identifies this selection as open-pollinated and heirloom. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.

02 How should the seeds be started?

Soak seed for up to 12 hours or lightly scarify it, then sow 1/2 inch deep in a warm medium. Transplant outdoors only after all frost risk has passed. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

03 How long does germination take?

Gaia lists germination at 7 to 14 days. Maintain the medium near 18 to 24°C, preferably around 21°C, and evenly moist without saturating it. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

04 How should planting be organized?

Space plants approximately 6 inches apart and rows 24 to 36 inches apart. Install a sturdy trellis because vines can reach about 6 to 10 feet. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth.

05 When should it be harvested?

Begin harvesting around 60 days. Pick tender leaves and shoot tips as needed, then keep them refrigerated and use promptly. Read the packet directions before starting and keep the label so the variety remains clearly identified throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained growing medium and moisten it before placing the seeds so they are not displaced by the first watering. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without standing water because excess moisture reduces air around developing roots. Move seedlings into bright light as soon as they emerge and rotate containers regularly to encourage balanced growth. Where several seedlings compete for the same space, thin carefully and retain the strongest plants without disturbing their roots.