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Malabar Spinach 'Rubra'
Seed Packet

Malabar Spinach 'Rubra'

Basella rubra
Malabar spinach is an ornamental edible planted once warmer night temperatures arrive in early summer. Unlike most greens we enjoy, it thrives in high heat and quickly twines up trellises in heat that would wilt most gardeners. As the days get shorter in later summer, it produces flowers, which marks the end of the edible stage. However, the plant grows into a handsome decorative vine dripping with pink flowers and purple pearl-like berries.
SKU #S1756
$4.00
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
78
Lifecycle
Annual; tender perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
9,
10
Annual Hardiness
Half Hardy Annual
Mature Size
3-6' h x 2-3' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Green leaves on red stem
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface to barely cover
Sprout Time:
14-21 days
Starting Indoors:
Nick seeds or soak overnight and sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Keep at 68°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Direct sow 2 weeks after last frost, when soil has warmed.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After frost, when nighttime temperatures remain above 60°F.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Malabar spinach is a heat-loving ornamental edible planted out in early summer. Its succulent fresh young leaves have citrus and pepper notes used most often in Asian and Indian cuisines. Cooked, it resembles regular spinach, with a more pronounced slippery texture. The sinewy burgundy stems root along the ground if left to wander or twine up available supports. It requires frequent irrigation, under dry conditions or the short days of later summer, flowers will form, and it will end its edible stage and become merely a lovely vine.
Final Spacing:
1'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Requires consistent moisture to prevent flowering and maintain quality.
Soil pH:
Slightly acidic to neutral
Fertilizer:
Incorporate 2" of compost and a slow release balanced organic fertilizer.
Diseases & Pests:
No major pests or diseases.