The Malabar Spinach offers large, meaty leaves that are remarkably spinach-like in flavor and grows robustly in the heat of summer. Deep red stems of this vine provide a beautiful back drop in the garden. In fact, Basella Rubra, this plant, is used very effectively in the agricultural display at Epcot center. 50 seeds PLANTING Basella rubra Perennial: Zone 10 and above Germination: 14-21 days, scarifying or soaking seeds overnight aids germination Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-75ºF Seed Sowing Depth: 1/2" deep Sowing Indoors: 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-75ºF soil temperature. Sow 2-3 seeds per cell/pot. Transplant after last frost,12" apart. Sowing Outdoors: Zone 7 and above. Sow after the last frost when soil temperature reach 70ºF. Sow a few seeds every 12" apart. Harvest: Pick leaves and use them like spinach Tips: Plant Malabar Spinach in fertile soil, amended with compost or well rotted manure and keep well watered. Malabar Spinach loves the heat but requires constant moisture (mulch well) and 80ºF plus for superb growth. Supply a trellis for this climbing vine.
