Melinda Myers

Malabar Spinach

Botanical Name

Basella alba

Min Zone

10

Height

2 to 6 feet

Width

2 to 3 feet

Flowers

Inconspicuous, purple-white, flowering occurs with less than 12 hours of daylight or in dry conditions

Fruit

Purple to black drupe

Light

Full sun

Soil

Moist, well-drained, fertile

Planting & Care

• In zone 7 and warmer, direct sow 2 to 3 weeks after the last frost date
• In colder zones or to get an earlier crop, start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last spring frost date
• Scarify seeds by nicking the seed coat to speed germination, which can take up to 3 weeks or more
• Wait until all danger of frost has passed before transplanting seedlings into the garden
• Space transplants 12 inches apart
• Train onto a sturdy trellis or other support
• Provide consistent moisture to prevent flowering and bitter tasting leaves
• Well adapted to high temperatures
• Does not perform well when daytime temperatures remain below 80°F or if night time temperatures consistently dip below 59°F

Problems

None serious

Varieties

Rubra or Red Stem - very ornamental, burgundy stems, leaves have pink veins