Description

Malabar spinach is a climbing plant that produces edible, thick leaves that can be used as a milder, less bitter alternative to ‘normal’ spinach. This variety has red stems.

Botanical name: Basella alba

Planting: Sow seeds from late Spring after the chance of frost has passed. Thin the seedlings to 30 cm apart.

Care: Water regularly if the weather is dry but allow to slightly dry out between watering. They appreciate a bit of afternoon sun on hot days. It is frost tender so grown here as an annual.

Harvest: Harvest the leaves regularly as you need them.

Diseases: I’ haven’t had any pests or diseases on mine.

Cooking: Steam like regular spinach or add to stews. The leaves are mild enough to be used in salads.

Seed Saving: Collect the seed pods as they turn brown.