Green Malabar Spinach – 5 Seeds
(Basella alba)
R50.00
Common names include Vine Spinach, Creeping Spinach, and Ceylon Spinach. Even though it’s not a true spinach, it has the same taste.
Sowing Time: Spring and Summer
Seed Type: Organic – Seeds harvested from our own plants.
In stock
Green Malabar Spinach Seeds. Green Malabar Spinach (Basella alba) is not a true spinach but a different species. Other common names include Vine Spinach, Creeping Spinach, and Ceylon Spinach. Even though it’s not a true spinach, it has the same taste. This fast-growing plant is a soft-stemmed, twining vine that can grow up to 10 feet long as an annual (longer as a perennial) but generally remains smaller in most gardens. The dark green, glossy, oval to heart-shaped leaves are thick and semi-succulent with a mucilaginous texture. A delicious green that can be grown as an annual in many areas or as a perennial in sub-tropical areas.
Green Malabar Spinach has white flowers and green vines. The leaves and stem contain mucilage, so it can appear slimy when broken off the vine. This mucilage is a great source of soluble fiber, much like pectin in apples.
The vine will grow rapidly in the heat of summer all the way through autumn.
Green Malabar Spinach Culinary Uses
- The edible leaves (and shoots) of Basella alba resemble spinach with a mild, slightly peppery flavor with a hint of citrus and are used in the same way.
- The young leaves can be eaten raw mixed in a green salad, and steamed or boiled to be used like cooked spinach.
- Because of the mucilagenous nature, it can also be used to thicken soups and stews.
- The leaves can be eaten throughout the season, but once plants start flowering, the leaves become bitter.
- Soaking the Green Malabar Spinach Seeds in water overnight before planting or scarifying the seed with a file, sandpaper or even a knife, will speed up germination.
- Germination will take three weeks or longer at temperatures between 18-24 C.
- Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost date.
- Transplant in the garden once the soil has warmed, placing plants at least a foot apart.
- Seed may also be planted directly in the garden. Direct sow Malabar spinach seeds two to three weeks after the last frost date.
- Grow in rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade.
- Use a slow-release fertilizer.
Disclaimer
Medicinal Information:
All medicinal information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment offered by healthcare professionals.
Seeds, Plants, Plant Cuttings, Geophytes and Dried Herbs:
In some countries and provinces, certain plants are deemed as invasive and are not allowed to be planted at all, whilst some plants are allowed to be grown only in certain areas or provinces. The onus is on you as the buyer to familiarize yourself with the regulations pertaining to your location, before purchasing any of our seeds, plants, plant cuttings, geophytes or dried herbs. We will not be held liable, should you purchase any seeds, plants, plant cuttings, geophytes or dried herbs. from us which are prohibited in your country or province.
Related products
Out of stock
