Malabar spinach

Latin Name: Basella alba (or Basella rubra for the red variety)
Plant type: Climbing annual (perennial in tropical climates, annual here)
Botanical family: Basellaceae

Hardiness Zone: Grown as an annual (zone 9+ as a perennial, zone 4-5 as an annual)
Harvest period: July to September

Exposure: Full sun
Watering: Regular — likes moisture, without soaking the soil

Spacing: 30 to 40 cm between plants, vertical support required (trellis or rope)

Companion plants: Corn, basil, peppers
Enemy plants:
Classic spinach

Description

A fast-growing tropical climbing plant, cultivated for its thick, glossy, mucilaginous leaves, rich in nutrients. Unlike classic spinach, it loves the heat and grows all summer long without going to seed! Its leaves can be eaten cooked (like spinach) or raw in small quantities, in salads or smoothies. Very decorative with its red stems (for the rubra variety), it is an original edible plant and perfect for vertical structures.

*Please note that not all vegetables are always in stock. Please contact us to confirm availability. These information sheets are provided for informational purposes only.