Spinach, Malabar Red (Basella rubra), packet of 10 seeds, organic

(2 customer reviews)

$3.95

Family:  Madeira vine  (Basellaceae)

Hardy to zone 9 to 13, otherwise grown as an annual, producing edible leaves in as few as 55 days.

Perennial climbing vine native to Africa and Southwestern India (the Malabar coast).  This red cultivar is choice–leaves decorative, flowers like strings of creamy pearls, berries deeply purple and juicy.  Very quick-growing heat-tolerant spinach substitute. The taste is very mellow, and the leaves are pleasantly mucilaginous and very smooth in salads.  Can be consumed fresh or lightly steamed as an agreeable vegetable that is high in vitamins. Plant prefers full sun and moist garden soil.  Soak seed overnight in warm water and sow in the spring, either in the greenhouse or in the garden.  Germinates in 10 to 15 days at 68 degrees F.  Provide trellis or allow to sprangle.

10 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown

In stock

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5 out of 5 stars

2 reviews

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What others are saying

  1. Laura Polanco

    Laura Polanco

    Love this spinach! It’s the only spinach plant that survived the critters and the heat.

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    • Admin Richo Cech

      This is an underrated plant. It is a rare person who tries it, but everyone who tries it is. . . impressed by it.

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  2. Question

    Amanda (verified owner)

    Is it necessary to thin these plants if two are growing from the same hole? With only 5 seeds I want to optimize the number of plants but don’t want them to end up being stunted. Thanks! They are already beautiful plants by the way!

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    • Richo Cech

      Admin Richo Cech

      Hi Amanda,
      These would not require thinning, as they are vines that will grow into any free space. It is OK if they are rooted closely together.
      Richo

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