Description: A heat-loving edible ornamental with fleshy leaves that can be used fresh, sautéed or puréed. Exceptionally beautiful, with a strong vining habit. Leaves are purplish-red.
Pack Size: 20 seeds
Latin Name: Basella rubra
Main Uses: Culinary, ornamental
Zone Hardiness: Annual (or tropical perennial that can be wintered indoors)
Exposure: Full sun
Height: Vine
Flower Color: Purple-pink
Seed Source: Certified organic
Germination: 14 - 21 days at 21 - 25° C.
Sowing: Indoors 6 - 8 weeks before last frost date. Sow 2 - 3 seeds per cell or plug. For best results, apply Sea Magic™ kelp from first watering. Apply a seedling-starter fertilizer such as Evolve Seedling once the second set of true leaves has appeared, and then alternate between the kelp and seedling starter until transplant. Soak seeds in fresh water for 12 hours before sowing.
Planting depth: 0.6 cm (1/4” inch) deep.
Special Requirements for Cold Climate Gardeners: Malabar Spinach grows beautifully in our short summer season, and can be wintered indoors in a bright location (easiest to winter by taking cuttings in fall).
Suitability for Indoors: Grows well indoors in a very bright window or under lights.