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Malabar Spinach, Ceylon Spinach

Scientific Name: Basella alba L.
Synonym: Basella rubra
Family: Basellaceae

Malabar spinach 'Rubra'

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 23-24 as perennial
USDA: 10 as perennial

Frost Tolerance: Tender in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Light shade in Phoenix

Origin: Africa, South East Asia

Growth Habits: Tender fast growing vine to 10 feet

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Seeds

The Malabar Spinach is a common vagetable in tropical Africa and southeast Asia, where it originated. Only the young leaves are eaten. To prepare, boil and discard water. Young leaves can be added to a green salad.

Culture:
The Malabar Spinach is a tender perennial grown as an annual in most of the USA. It needs regular water and fertilizing.

Propagation:
Start the seeds indoor at 70°F (21°C) in mid January. Plant outside in early March or after the last frosts.

List of All the Plants | More in the Basellaceae family

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