• Basella rubra

Malabar Spinach - Organic

"A vigorous tropical companion, with rich and abundant leaves."

$4.49

Number of seeds 25 seeds

Native to the tropical regions of South Asia and India , Malabar spinach , also known as purple basella , is a perennial climbing plant cultivated as an annual in our latitudes. Once a staple in tropical vegetable gardens, it has now become a popular choice for kitchen gardens worldwide thanks to its elegant shape , vigorous growth , and glossy, purple-tinged leaves .

In the garden, it grows quickly and climbs enthusiastically on trellises, fences, or vertical supports , forming truly productive vines . It tolerates summer heat admirably and provides a continuous harvest of fleshy, slightly mucilaginous leaves , perfect raw in salads or cooked like spinach . In hot, humid climates, it is a valuable plant for summer crops , where regular spinach struggles to grow.

Growing climate: Hot to tropical climate
Sowing difficulty level: Medium
Care required: Regular

Note: Sensitive to frost, likes humidity but not excessive.

The fleshy leaves of Malabar spinach are delicious fresh in salads for their crisp, slightly mucilaginous texture, or cooked like regular spinach. They are highly prized in Asian cuisine, particularly in stir-fries, soups, and curries, where they absorb spices perfectly while retaining their creamy texture.

They can be blanched and then frozen, allowing them to be enjoyed out of season. Traditionally, in some regions of India, this plant is also recognized for its digestive and soothing properties.