The leaves of the Malabar spinach are thicker than the traditional spinach. Red Malabar leaves are green with purple veins and stems. A climbing spinach variety native to the Indian subcontinent that likes warm, tropical climates.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Seeds

~50

Difficulty       

Easy

Sowing        

Direct, Indoor

Lifecycle      

Annual

Root cellar   

No

Sowing season       

Spring, Summer

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.