Malabar Spinach Basella alba

How to sow Malabar spinach: Direct seed. If planting indoors, harden off before transplanting seedlings outside.

Sun requirement for Malabar spinach: Plant in Full Sun

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Malabar, or Ceylon, Spinach is an edible perennial vine native to tropical Asia and Africa. It is a fast-growing, soft-stemmed, succulent vine that is used as a leaf vegetable and ornamental. The thick, heart-shaped leaves have a mild flavor and taste like a less bitter spinach when cooked. They are high in vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. There are two varieties of Malabar Spinach: Green (Basella alba) and Red (Basella alba 'Rubra'). The red variety has a reddish-purple stem; both types have green leaves. Malabar Spinach needs a hot, humid climate with steady temperatures near 21° C. It benefits from trellising and can share a support with peas. If growing for the leaves, pinch the flowers to focus the plant's energy on leaf growth.