Organic Malabar Spinach 'Red Malabar Spinach'
Organic 'Red Malabar Spinach' (Basella rubra) from Gaia seed company, a sumptuous edible vine, ultra-heat tolerant and rich in color
Red Malabar spinach is a splendid edible Asian vine , prized for its ruby-red stems , thick, succulent leaves , and incredible heat tolerance , producing abundantly when regular spinach is withering away. Although it's called "spinach," it's a different species, Basella rubra , grown as an annual in temperate regions. This vine can climb up to 180 cm (6') with support and offers leaves perfect for salads, stir-fries, curries, soups, or smoothies . At the end of the season, it develops deep purple berries extremely rich in anthocyanins , which can be used as a natural coloring . Beautiful, nutritious, decorative, and versatile: a truly unique plant for the vegetable garden.
Companion plants : Dwarf beans, Lettuce, Parsley, Green onions, Nasturtium, Radish, Carrot, Asparagus, Brassica, Eggplant, Leek, Peas, Strawberry
Nefarious plants : Sunflower, Jerusalem artichoke, Potato
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 : Ultra-heat resistant, succulent leaves, purple berries rich in anthocyanins, ideal as a natural dye, food & ornamental plant
Leaf color : Glossy dark green with rubra-red stems
Texture/flavor : Fleshy, sweet, slightly mucilaginous leaves
Cold tolerance : Down to -10°C once established (but sensitive to frost when young)
Farming method
Scarification is recommended to improve 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 trellis , as the plant climbs easily.
Place in partial sun / partial shade (level 2) — it tolerates heat very well — and water moderately (level 2).
Germination in 7 to 14 days between 21 and 32 °C (optimum 24–27 °C).
Spacing: 15 cm between plants, 60 to 90 cm between rows.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest as needed : young leaves are tender and perfect raw, larger ones are better suited for cooking.
The berries are harvested at the end of the season for culinary or artisanal use (dye).
Consume the leaves fresh or keep them for a few days in the refrigerator in a slightly ventilated bag.
Usage ideas
• In a fresh salad , for a fleshy and decorative green
• In Asian stir-fries , where the texture shines
• In a mild and nutritious green smoothie
• In curries , soups or stews
• As a natural purple dye for food and textiles
• As an edible ornamental plant for trellises or balconies
Red Malabar spinach is a sumptuous, nutritious and extraordinarily heat-tolerant plant, perfect for gardeners seeking hardy, ornamental and versatile edible foliage.
