Spinach – Malabar Green

A climbing plant that produces pretty little pink flowers, Malabar spinach is appreciated as much for its ornamental qualities as its taste. Its dark green leaves, thicker than those of the traditional spinach, have a mucilaginous texture and are mostly eaten cooked. Taste slightly lemony and peppery. Plant of hot climate.

Growing tips

Conditions of germination:

depth of sowing: 1 cm

optimal temperatures of germination: 25 to 30ºC

time for germination: 7 to 21 days

When to sow:

indoor sowing 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date in your area OR

direct sowing after any risk of frost, when the soil is warmed up

Sowing technique: in line

draw a line in the soil (in a pot or in the ground) then place the seeds at the distance indicated according to the variety or according to the desired harvest (young or mature plant)

Transplantation outside (for seedlings started inside):

When all risk of frost is removed and the air is warm

Distance in the garden:

between plants: 25 cm

between rows: 75 to 90 cm

Height of the plants: 150 to 200 cm

Soil: fertile and well drained

Exposure: full sun or light shade

Harvest time: 50 to 70 days, but the leaves are best when young

Specificity:

Malabar spinach can grow up to 6 feet tall, can be climbed on a trellis or stake and pinch off the tips to stimulate branching.

It can be grown in pots.

QUICK STATS

Number of seeds: ±50

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Heirloom / Open pollinated

Lifecycle:Annual

Additional information

Weight            1.5 g

Difficulty         

Easy

Sowing          

Direct, Indoor

Lifecycle        

Annual

Root cellar     

No

Sowing season        

Spring, Summer