Malabar Green Stem
Basella alba
 Malabar Green Stem
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Seed #142 |
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Also know as Vietnamese spinach, this vine vegetable can reach up to 14' tall. It thrives in warm weather and is tolerant of heat and humidity. It is a perennial tropical plant.This variety has a green stem and dark green thick fleshy leaves. In cooler areas, it will not overwinter but will produce a good harvest as an annual.
- Warm season annual/perennial
- Approx. 100-125 seeds in packet. (A seed will vary in weight and size within a given seed lot. The number of seeds stated is only an estimate.)
- Maturity: Approx. 60 days
- Planting season: Late spring to early summer
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Cultivation: Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid clay soils. Sow seeds in late spring/early summer (soil temp at least 60°F) in a warm and sunny location or start seeds inside 6 weeks before last frost date (or 8 weeks before expected transplanting date). Keep soil warm until emergence. Seeds will not germinate in cool soil and planting too early may affect plant vigor. Harden off plants carefully before transplanting. Partial shade may increase leaf size. Keep moist. Consistent moisture helps to keep plant from flowering (flowering may cause bitterness in leaves). Fertilize as needed. Train to a sturdy trellis. Harvest by cutting 6-8" young tips and leaves. New growth can be cut throughout the season.
Germination
Temperature |
Seed
Depth |
Seed
Spacing |
Thin
To |
Row
Distance |
| 65-75°F |
1" |
2" |
10-12" |
30-36" |
Please note: Maturity, adaptability and disease tolerance may differ under your specific climate and/or growing conditions.
Culinary tips: Malabar spinach has a mucilaginous texture and is mostly used to thicken soups/stews. Use in any recipe that calls for spinach, with noodles and in stir-fries. In Japan, it is cooked in tempura or braised and topped with a sesame seed dressing.
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