Organic 'Green Vines Supreme Malabar Spinach'

Organic Malabar spinach 'Green Vines Supreme' (Basella alba) from the seed company Gaia, a vigorous, fleshy edible vine perfectly adapted to heat

Malabar spinach 'Green Vines Supreme' is an heirloom variety of Basella alba , a superb and productive tropical vine prized for its green stems and thick, fleshy, glossy, deep green leaves . Extremely heat and humidity tolerant , it continues to grow and produce while regular spinach bolts. In temperate climates, it is grown as a vigorous annual , reaching 180 cm (6′) on a trellis. Its succulent leaves are ideal in salads, stir-fries, curries, or smoothies , adding a soft, slightly mucilaginous texture. A superb plant for vertical edible gardens.

Spread/Habit : Vigorous climbing vine
Plant height : Up to 180 cm (6′)
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Extremely heat/humidity tolerant, dark green fleshy leaves, fast growing, excellent edible climbing plant

Leaf color : Glossy dark green
Texture/flavor : Fleshy, sweet, slightly mucilaginous (typical of Malabar)
Cold tolerance : Down to -10°C, but does not survive the winter in the north

Farming method

Scarification of the seeds is recommended to facilitate germination.
Sow indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost , at a depth of 1.25 cm .
Transplant when all risk of frost has passed. Provide a sturdy trellis , as the vine can exceed 1.80 m in fertile soil.

Install in partial sun / partial shade (level 2) — it tolerates heat very well — and water regularly but not excessively (level 2).
Germination in 7 to 14 days between 21 and 32 °C (optimum 24–27 °C).
Space the plants 15 cm apart, and the rows 60 to 90 cm apart.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest as needed , picking leaves and young shoots to encourage branching.
Fresh leaves can be kept for a few days in the refrigerator in a ventilated bag.
The plant continues to produce until the first cold weather.

Usage ideas

• In a fresh salad , finely chopped
• In Asian stir-fries , where its texture shines
• In curries , soups and broths
• In highly nutritious green smoothies
• As an edible ornamental plant on a trellis or balcony

Malabar spinach ' Green Vines Supreme ' is a robust, decorative and delicious plant, ideal for gardeners seeking heat-resistant edible foliage that provides a generous harvest throughout the summer.